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How Ewha Womans University Brought Hands-On Lab Training to the Classroom with VR
South Korea's first undergraduate brain and cognitive sciences programme adopted clear_pixel VR's Molecular Neuroscience and Animal Handling modules for semester-long practical training.
~20
Students per class
Full semester
VR integration
2 modules
Molecular Neuroscience + Animal Handling
The challenge
The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Ewha Womans University — established in 2015 as South Korea’s first undergraduate programme dedicated to brain and cognitive sciences — has always aspired to give students genuine, hands-on experience in electrophysiology and animal behaviour experiments.
But turning that aspiration into practice proved consistently difficult. Professor Jeiwon Cho and Professor Sanggeon Park, the faculty leads for these disciplines, faced a set of compounding constraints that no straightforward solution could resolve.
“Our laboratory’s electrophysiology equipment was consistently occupied by graduate students’ research, making it impractical to offer hands-on experience to undergraduates. Additionally, acquiring separate equipment solely for teaching purposes proved financially unfeasible. We also struggled with spatial constraints for conducting animal behaviour experiments with nearly twenty students per class, while addressing crucial laboratory safety protocols and animal ethics considerations.”
Prof. Jeiwon Cho, Ewha Womans University
The result was a gap between what students were taught in theory and what they were able to experience in practice. Complex experimental techniques — ones that require physical repetition to learn — were being delivered through lectures and demonstration alone.
Discovering VR as a solution
The turning point came when Professors Cho and Park encountered clear_pixel VR’s training modules at the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) international conference. Recognising the potential of VR-based simulation to bridge the gap between theory and practice, they moved to implement two modules within their curriculum.
Ewha adopted the Molecular Neuroscience and Mouse Injection (Animal Handling) VR training modules — delivering immersive, semester-long practical training in a virtual setting. Students were able to experience detailed laboratory procedures in a safe, repeatable environment without requiring access to physical equipment or live animals.
The modules allowed students to practise complex techniques as many times as needed, building genuine procedural knowledge and confidence before entering a real lab setting.
The results
Full-semester integration
VR training delivered hands-on learning experiences without requiring access to real lab equipment.
Higher student engagement
Students quickly embraced VR as an effective, interactive way to learn complex experimental techniques.
Improved accessibility
Departments with limited resources can now deliver immersive educational training in place of fully equipped labs.
Ewha’s adoption of virtual reality demonstrates how VR can overcome physical and financial barriers in higher education, all while upholding safety and welfare standards.
“While students initially showed some hesitation toward VR-based learning, they quickly developed enthusiasm for this novel approach, creating an engaging environment for both faculty and students.”
Prof. Jeiwon Cho & Prof. Sanggeon Park
“We are confident that this platform serves as an excellent educational tool, particularly for departments with limited access to laboratory equipment and adequate space for conducting experiments. We anticipate clear_pixel VR’s continued growth and look forward to maintaining our collaborative relationship in advancing educational technologies.”
Prof. Jeiwon Cho, Ewha Womans University
About clear_pixel VR
clear_pixel VR is a Cardiff-based Welsh startup that develops VR training platforms for laboratory and animal science — making the learning of complex skills more accessible, ethical, and cost-effective for institutions worldwide.
“This international collaboration with Ewha Womans University is an incredibly exciting milestone for clear_pixel VR. It not only highlights the global demand for innovative educational technologies but also stands as a testament to the invaluable support we’ve received from our Board of Directors and the Welsh Government in expanding our business globally. Their encouragement and advice have been instrumental in helping us reach new markets and demonstrate the impact of Welsh innovation on the world stage.”
Jake Spanswick, CEO, clear_pixel VR
clear_pixel VR makes practical lab training possible anywhere — accessible, ethical, and built for the future of scientific education.
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