Special Issue of Virtual Reality

“Virtual Reality in Scientific Applications”

Guest Editors:
Osvaldo Gervasi, University of Perugia, Italy
Roberto Ranon, HCI Lab, University of Udine, Italy

The usage of Virtual Reality and 3D techniques in scientific applications has significantly increased in recent years. The development of Web tools and Grid middleware and infrastructures allows the exploration of new approaches designing scientific applications and increase the level of interaction between the user and the simulated environment.

The Special Issue of Virtual Reality will be focused on the role of Virtual Reality to increase the interactivity and the realism of scientific applications.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following areas:
•	Applications of Virtual Reality and 3D in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Medicine
•	Virtual Reality and Web3D using GRID technologies
•	Molecular Virtual Reality Techniques and Applications
•	Virtual Laboratories
•	New Techniques for the Visualization of scientific data and simulations based on Virtual Reality
•	Training of laboratory personnel based on Virtual Reality techniques
•	Virtual  classes and practices based on  Web3D
•	Educational games based on Web3D

The special issue will appear in the Springer journal Virtual Reality (www.springeronline.com/journal/10055). Papers should typically be less than 8,000 words and of standard journal content: reports of original research, review papers, essays and discussions. Papers will be peer reviewed in accordance with the journal’s normal process. Prospective authors should indicate their intention to submit by December 31st, 2008, including a planned title for the submission and names of authors to the Editors at the email address: virtualreality@vrsal.unipg.it

Papers should be uploaded to http://www.editorialmanager.com/vire/, authors should select article type ‘S.I. of VR and Scientific Applications’ by February 28th, 2009

Please direct all correspondence with the Editors to the email address: virtualreality@vrsal.unipg.it

Important Dates:
Extended deadline for expression of interest (to be submitted by email to the editors): December 31st, 2008
Deadline for submission of full papers: February 28th, 2009
Notification of acceptance: May 15th, 2009