Health innovation space: the first ‘meta-museum’ of health at the University of Pavia
It combines the physical experience with the virtual space of the metaverse – which can be explored via avatars or headsets – to tell the story of the evolution of medicine and research
Key points
The ‘Health Innovation Space 2026’ exhibition was inaugurated in the Aula Magna of the University of Pavia. This is the fourth edition of the meta-museum of healthcare innovation, organised by the Foundation for Social Medicine and Technological Innovation, in collaboration with the Department of Law at the University of Pavia and the Centre for Studies and Research on Ethics and Regulation of Technological Innovation and Medicines.
Health Innovation Space is Italia’s first ‘meta-museum’ of healthcare innovation, conceived and promoted by the Mesit Foundation (Social Medicine and Technological Innovation).
It combines a physical experience with a virtual space in the metaverse, which can be explored via avatars or virtual reality headsets. It explores the evolution of medicine, the history of research (for example in oncology), the world of rare diseases, prevention and the impact of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). It acts as a bridge between the memory of the past and the promises of the healthcare sector, highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on people’s wellbeing. It is open free of charge both in person (at various stops and travelling events or through university partnerships) and online via the official Health Innovation Space website.
3D visualisation
The stereoscopic 3D display system comprises a 4K display and an eye-tracking system: the station recognises the position of the viewer’s eyes and generates, in real time, a distinct image for each eye, creating the perception of depth without the need for 3D headsets or glasses. Organs, tissues and anatomical structures appear suspended in space, ready to be viewed from every angle. Using the Sylus, a three-dimensional electronic pen, visitors can select, rotate, move and dissect the anatomical models, exploring them beyond the screen.
The academic world
The presentation of this important initiative was attended by a number of representatives from Pavia’s academic community.
