SBIR Phase I: An Immersive 3D Simulator to Experientially Learn Immunobiology as a Networked System

这项小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段研究项目将以先前的工作为基础，生产一种变革性的学习资源：一种首创的模拟器，应用创新方法和先进的3D互动技术来学习免疫学中的复杂概念。我们已经利用现有的基于模拟的学习技术平台，向大型制药公司的医生传达疾病状态概念和临床最佳实践。然而，我们愿景的一个核心方面是将这项技术和方法扩展到高等教育中的免疫学研究。像许多科学领域一样，免疫生物学涉及复杂的系统。我们正在使用一个工程范例来创建一个模型免疫系统，它被划分成相互作用的元素，形成一个反应灵敏的整体。当这个系统通过互动性和3D视觉效果被赋予生命时，学生们将体验免疫系统是如何运作的，而不是阅读它。我们正在与教育工作者和免疫学家合作建立这个模拟器，并将其推广到学院、大学和医学院，以促进对这一迷人科学的理解。第一阶段的项目将产生一个软件原型和详细的技术设计，以支持SBIR第二阶段的第一个商业版本的构建。了解免疫系统对于推进对抗传染病、自身免疫性疾病、癌症、哮喘和许多其他疾病的战斗至关重要。免疫学是维持我们国家的重要组成部分。美国在生命科学领域的竞争力它是生物学、生物工程、护理学和医学院课程中越来越重要的组成部分，已有29所学校开设了专门的免疫学专业。免疫生物学模拟器将通过互联网访问，提供广泛的分布。由于内容由有成就的免疫学家和教育工作者监督，它也可以成为那些没有拥有这方面专业知识的教师的机构的学生信赖的远程资源。免疫生物学模拟器通过直接体验其基本部分之间的相互作用，促进了对免疫系统的全面理解。这种系统方法是一种前瞻性的方法，随着详细科学知识的集体数量迅速增加，它在科学中变得越来越重要。系统方法也可以应用于几乎任何复杂的科学主题，使用相同的核心技术和专业知识，使我们能够影响生命科学教育的其他领域。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will build on previous work to produce a transformative learning resource: a first-of-its-kind simulator that applies an innovative approach and advanced 3D interactive technology to learning complex concepts in immunology. We have already utilized our existing simulation-based learning technology platform to convey disease state concepts and clinical best practices to physicians for large pharmaceutical companies. A core aspect of our vision however, is to extend this technology and approach to the study of immunology in higher education. Like many areas of science, immunobiology involves complex systems. We are using an engineering paradigm to create a model immune system that is compartmentalized into elements that interact, forming a responsive whole. When this system is brought to life through interactivity and 3D visuals, students will experience how the immune system functions instead of reading about it. We are working with educators and immunologists to build this simulator and market it to colleges, universities and medical schools in order to advance the understanding of this fascinating science. This Phase I project will result in a software prototype and detailed technical design to support build out of the first commercial version in SBIR Phase II.Understanding the immune system is critical for advancing the battle against infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, asthma, and many other disorders. Immunology is an essential component in sustaining our nation?s competitiveness in the life sciences. It is a growing element of biology, bioengineering, nursing, and medical school curricula, with 29 schools already offering a dedicated immunology major. The ImmunoBiology Simulator will be accessible over the Internet, providing broad distribution. With content oversight by accomplished immunologists and educators, it can also be a trusted remote resource to students at institutions that do not retain faculty members with this expertise. The Immunobiology Simulator facilitates comprehensive understanding of the immune system through direct experience of the interactions between its essential parts. This systems approach is a forward-thinking one that is becoming more essential in science as the collective volume of detailed scientific knowledge rapidly increases. A systems approach can also be applied to virtually any complex scientific topic using the same core technology and expertise, allowing us to impact other areas in life science education.