In December 2025, representing the Erasmus + research project Virtual Children’s Hospital for Learning Pediatric Nursing (VLPN), Dr Joanna Menikou — member of Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) research team — participated in the 32nd Pancyprian Conference of Nursing and Midwifery, together with Dr Koralia Michael, and Joanna Pieri, both members of the CUT research team.
The event was described as a milestone in Pediatric Nursing in Cyprus, as it was the first time a full session was dedicated to Pediatic Nursing. Conference attendees included healthcare professionals and academics from Cyprus, with diverse expertise and backgrounds.
During the conference, a presentation about the VLPN project, created by Dr. Christiana Nicolaou, VLPN Scientific Coordinator of CUT, was given by Dr. Joanna Menikou. The presentation provided an overview of the project, including its objectives, study modules and the design of the Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE).
Emphasis was further given to the piloting and evaluation phases of the project, pointing out the positive impact the piloting phase had in enhancing students’ pediatric nursing care skills and knowledge.
The engagement showcases how innovating virtual reality learning tools, such as the VRLE, which modernise pediatric nursing education, can support traditional learning methods and strengthen students’ pediatric care competencies.
This participation highlights a key advancement in integrating virtual reality into healthcare education, setting the stage for continued innovation in pediatric nursing.
Written by Cyprus University of Technology, VLPN team.