The Visual Media Technologies Co-Lab participated in the project GAIA, an innovative initiative coordinated by Panteion University of Athens and Associate Professor Aggeliki Gazi that explored the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to address gender-based discrimination and promote women’s empowerment.
The GAIA project developed immersive virtual reality experiences designed to raise awareness of gender inequalities, strengthen empathy, and support inclusive working environments in higher education. By addressing social sciences research with advanced digital technologies, the project contributed to new training approaches addressing discrimination in workplaces and society.
Visual Media Technologies Co-Lab was represented in the project by the post-doc researcher Dr. Kalliopi-Evangelia Stavroulia. Dr. Stavroulia contributed scientific expertise to the development, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative Virtual Reality (VR) tools aimed at fostering equality and inclusion, reinforcing CUT’s commitment to responsible research with societal impact.
The outcomes and innovative approach of the GAIA project were recently highlighted in an article published by the Greek newspaper To Vima, titled: “GAIA Programme: Virtual Reality Combats Discrimination and Empowers Women.” The article presents how VR technologies were used within the project to enhance awareness, challenge stereotypes, and empower women through experiential learning methodologies. Read the full article here: https://www.tovima.gr/2026/03/08/society/programa-gaia-i-eikoniki-pragmatikotita-katapolema-diakriseis-kai-endynamonei-tis-gynaikes/#google_vignette
The completion of GAIA marks an important milestone in advancing innovative VR-based approaches to equality and inclusion. Through its participation, CUT further strengthened its contribution to European research initiatives addressing major societal challenges. The outcomes and expertise developed through the project establish a strong foundation for future research and continued innovation in this field.
The GAIA program was implemented in the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU (Implementing Body: H.F.R.I.).
