Journal of Metaverse Research

About the Journal of Metaverse Research

The Journal of Metaverse Research (JMR) is the official publication of the International Association of Immersive Technology Innovation (IAITI). JMR is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal which explores the multifaceted metaverse. The metaverse is an augmented digital world seamlessly blending physical and virtual spaces through Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), facilitating user interaction and the exchange of virtual goods or services like NFTs powered by Cryptocurrencies which operate on blockchain technology. The metaverse ultimately signifies a profound convergence of these pivotal technologies, fostering persistent, interconnected virtual worlds.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the leading global voice in metaverse scholarship. We aim to bridge diverse academic disciplines, facilitating impactful knowledge exchange that collectively shapes the responsible development and profound understanding of these transformative virtual frontiers. We are committed to supporting goals by providing a robust and authoritative platform for the innovative research and thought leadership generated by its members and the broader immersive technology ecosystem.

Scope and Coverage

The metaverse is inherently interdisciplinary, embodying a new paradigm that challenges and advances numerous fields. The Journal of Metaverse Research welcomes original research articles, comprehensive review papers, insightful case studies, and critical perspectives from, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Core Immersive Technologies (XR): Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), haptic feedback systems, advanced display technologies, extended reality (XR) hardware and software development, and digital twin implementation.
• Decentralised Systems & Blockchain: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs), Web3 integration, digital asset ownership and provenance, smart contracts, distributed ledger technologies, blockchain infrastructure for virtual economies and cryptocurrency, and user agency within immersive environments.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Metaverse: Generative AI for content creation, intelligent agents and non-player characters (NPCs), machine learning applications (e.g., for avatar behaviour, environmental adaptation, personalisation), AI ethics, and AI-driven simulations and optimisation for virtual environments.
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): User experience (UX) design in immersive environments, avatar embodiment and self-representation, studies of presence and immersion, usability and accessibility challenges, novel interaction paradigms, neuro-interfacing, and physiological responses in virtual settings.
• Societal, Cultural & Ethical Dimensions: The sociology of the metaverse, cultural impacts, formation and dynamics of virtual communities, identity and self-presentation in digital spaces, psychology of online interactions, ethical considerations (e.g., digital well-being, addiction, equity), philosophical implications, education, arts, media studies, and digital anthropology.
• Economics, Business & Policy: Virtual economies, digital asset marketplaces, monetisation models, metaverse commerce, marketing strategies, business models for virtual enterprises, legal frameworks, governance models, intellectual property rights, and data privacy regulations specific to the metaverse.
• Applied Metaverse: Health & well-being (therapeutic applications, virtual healthcare delivery, remote rehabilitation), industrial metaverse (applications in manufacturing, engineering, remote work, training simulations), education and learning in virtual worlds, and entertainment & gaming design and impact, cultural heritage, tourism, retail, real estate, social interaction and communication, sports, and media & advertising 
• Networking & Infrastructure: High-performance computing, edge computing, high-fidelity data transmission, connectivity solutions for massive multiplayer immersive environments, and scalability challenges for persistent virtual worlds.

All manuscripts undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process and are published under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), ensuring open and unrestricted access to scholarly work.

Target Audience

This journal is an essential resource for academics, researchers, Ph.D. students, industry professionals, policymakers, and anyone seeking in-depth, scholarly insights into the metaverse and its underlying immersive technologies.