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

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将在之前工作的基础上产生一种变革性的学习资源：一种首创的模拟器，它应用创新方法和先进的3D互动技术来学习免疫学中复杂的相互关系。该公司利用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。该项目将这项技术和方法扩展到高等教育中的免疫学研究中。像许多科学领域一样，免疫生物学涉及复杂的系统。该公司正在使用一种工程范式来创建一种模型免疫系统，该系统被划分为相互作用的元素，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。该公司将与教育工作者和免疫学家合作建立这个模拟器，以填补在理解这门科学方面的公认空白。这个第二阶段的项目将产生一个商业版本的免疫生物学模拟器，将与战略科学出版合作伙伴一起向学院、大学和医学院销售。该项目的更广泛/商业影响将是有可能创建一个免疫生物学模拟器，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，当与技术相结合时，它创造了一种体验和学习免疫学的新方法。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。免疫学是维持我国生命科学竞争力的重要组成部分。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。公司的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Syandus平台和专业知识，使他们能够扩展业务并影响生命科学教育的其他领域

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II 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 the complex interrelationships in immunology. The company has used simulation-based learning technology platform to convey disease state concepts and clinical best practices to physicians for large pharmaceutical companies. This project extends this technology and approach to the study of immunology in higher education. Like many areas of science, immunobiology involves complex systems. The company is 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. The company will work with educators and immunologists to build this simulator to fill recognized gaps in understanding this science. This Phase II project will result in a commercial version of the Immunobiology Simulator that will be marketed to colleges, universities, and medical schools with strategic science publishing partners. The broader/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to create an Immunobiology Simulator that facilitates the 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 when combined with technology creates a new way to experience and learn immunology. 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 nations 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 firms systems approach can also be applied to virtually any complex scientific topic using the same Syandus platform and expertise, allowing them to expand the business and impact other areas in life science education