MCLC: Virtual Worlds Research Network--cfp

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: lara arnason (s0785444 at sms.ed.ac.uk)
Subject: Virtual Worlds Research Network--cfp
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The Virtual Worlds Research Network invites position papers discussing
virtual world research in Asian contexts.

Lara Arnason

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The Virtual Worlds Research Network announces its inaugural conference
to take place in Edinburgh, UK, May 16-18, 2012.

In recent decades, the development and use of virtual worlds has grown
from a niche interest to a phenomenon that affects tens of millions of
people. As the nature of virtual worlds has evolved and their user
base vastly increased, the research potential of virtual worlds has
been recognized by a wide range of academic disciplines. The rapid
development of research in and about this medium from investigators
with various academic backgrounds means that cross-disciplinary
communication and knowledge-sharing is extremely important to progress
in the field.

The Virtual Worlds Research Network is an initiative to increase
knowledge-sharing among virtual worlds researchers. It is a free
academic network for anyone using virtual worlds as either the subject
of or platform for research. The inaugural conference marks the
network's official launch.

We invite participants to submit position papers reflecting their
current or recent work in virtual world research. Postgraduate
submissions are encouraged, as this is an ideal opportunity for
discussion of ongoing work. Example topics include (but are not
limited to): Artificial Intelligence, Arts & Culture, Economics,
Governance, Design, Education, Marketing, Sociology, Psychology and
Research Methodologies; however papers covering any aspect of virtual
worlds research are welcome.

We are delighted to announce that the keynote address will be given by
Dr Richard Bartle, University of Essex.

In the spirit of increased knowledge sharing, we would like to
highlight the importance of cross-regional knowledge-sharing in the
field. In accordance with this goal, and given the importance of Asian
contexts to virtual world development and practice, we therefore also
invite contributions that explore virtual world research in Asia.


Important Information:
Abstract submission: 	        250 words, no later than April 7th, 2012
Submit to:			vwresearchnetwork at gmail.com
Notification of Acceptance: 	April 15th, 2012
Conference Dates: 		May 16th-18th, 2012

Please see the website for further detail and updates: www.vwrn.org