Featured research and evidence

This page pulls out one standout, qualified finding from each item published under Research & Evidence: two independently peer-reviewed studies and one client program evaluation. Every figure below carries the same qualifier its source gives it. Read the linked summary for the full methodology, sample size and limitations before relying on any figure here.

Screenshot from the Through the Looking Glass VR training, showing an animated Mater staff member at a table with a Start Speaking prompt — A scene from Mater Education's Through the Looking Glass pilot, one of the items featured below.

VR DEI training at Google (CHI 2024)

Peer-reviewed case study

In a small, preliminary case study, Google ran a first cohort of its VR DEI training in September 2023. Of the 7 trainees (out of 26 who took the training) who returned an optional, anonymous post-training survey, all reported a satisfying or very satisfying experience, an average of 4.7 out of 5 (94%). The authors are explicit that this is preliminary, self-reported feedback from a single company and a small, optional-response sample, with no comparison or control group.

Read the full summary

Two animated avatars in conversation inside the Equal Reality VR training scenario built for Google's DEI programme — A scene from the VR DEI training built with Google.

Build still of the VR training environment developed with Equal Reality for Mayo Clinic nurse and social worker leaders — A build still from the VR training developed with Equal Reality for Mayo Clinic.

VR training for nurse leaders at Mayo Clinic (JONA 2024 and Social Science & Medicine 2025)

Peer-reviewed controlled trial

In a quasi-experimental controlled trial of the same 1,149-leader VR DEI programme, nurse and social worker leaders who took the training showed statistically significant increases relative to a waitlist control group in empathic feeling and expression (p = .002) and in predictors of upstander behaviour drawn from the Theory of Planned Behavior (p < .001). The same measures remained significantly higher than each participant's own baseline 6 to 8 months later, at which point there was no longer a control group for comparison.

Read the full summary

Mater Immersive Learning Pilot

Program evaluation, not peer-reviewed

Mater Education's own program evaluation of its "Speaking with Good Judgement: Through the Looking Glass" VR pilot found that 93% of participating staff enjoyed the experience and 90% showed increased focus compared with conventional delivery. Figures as reported by Mater Education following the program evaluation. This is a client program evaluation, not independent peer-reviewed research, and the underlying pilot closure report is Mater-owned.

Read the full summary

Build still of the Mater Education Through the Looking Glass VR pilot environment — A build still from Mater Education's Through the Looking Glass VR pilot.

Featured on this page

VR DEI training at Google (CHI 2024) - Peer-reviewed case study
VR training for nurse leaders at Mayo Clinic (JONA 2024 and Social Science & Medicine 2025) - Peer-reviewed controlled trial
Mater Immersive Learning Pilot - Program evaluation, not peer-reviewed

How to read these figures

Every figure here carries the same qualifier its source gives it. Read the linked summary for the full methodology, sample size and limitations before relying on any figure.