Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality Applied to Science Communication: A Systematic Literature Review

J. Romero-Luis, J.L. Rubio-Tamayo, A. Sánchez-Acedo, D.L. Wuebben, V. Codesido-Linares

IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics

Summary:

Extended reality (XR)—which includes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)—is becoming increasingly popular for sharing scientific knowledge. This research evaluates the state-of-the-art in XR for scientific communication. Our two-phase methodology began with a Systematic Literature Review, identifying 94 relevant articles and conference papers from the last decade (2013- 2023) sourced from the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. These publications show scholars and practitioners using XR to convey scientific findings, foster awareness, ignite interest, shape opinions, and enhance understanding. In the second phase, we applied data clustering and analysis. Our findings highlight a significant increase in XR studies over the last decade, with the XR technologies used for communication (N = 24), dissemination (N = 23), educational/training (N = 21), and decision-making (N = 10). Our results indicate the need to establish clearer guidelines for aligning science communication and to create more possibilities to publish peer-reviewed research in.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio analiza el uso de XR (VR y AR) en la comunicación científica en 94 publicaciones (2013–2023). XR mejora la comprensión, el interés y la conciencia, especialmente en educación y toma de decisiones. Se necesitan más espacios de publicación XR en revistas académicos y guías claras.

English layman's summary:

This study reviews XR (VR & AR) in science communication via 94 publications (2013–2023). It finds XR enhances understanding, awareness, and engagement, especially in education and decision-making, although more XR publishing options for academic work and clearer communication guidelines are needed.

Keywords: scientific communication, public understanding of science, extended reality, XR, virtual reality, VR, augmented reality, AR, Mixed Reality, MR.

JCR Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 4,700 - Q1 (2023)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2025.3569398

In press: May 2025.

Citation:
J. Romero-Luis, J.L. Rubio-Tamayo, A. Sánchez-Acedo, D.L. Wuebben, V. Codesido-Linares, Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality Applied to Science Communication: A Systematic Literature Review. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics.