Inner Horizon Panel Talk as part of Berlin Science Week.

Can Virtual Reality Support Psychological Growth? Virtual reality is often associated with gaming and entertainment, but its potential extends far beyond these applications. As immersive technologies become increasingly sophisticated, they are opening new possibilities for education, healthcare, mental wellbeing, and personal development. Can VR become a meaningful tool for self-reflection? How does immersion influence our perception, emotions, and sense of self? And what makes an experience transformative rather than simply immersive? This panel explores the growing role of virtual reality in psychological development through the lens of "Inner Horizon", an immersive art experience developed in collaboration with neuroscience. The discussion will examine how VR, combined with contemporary art, embodied interaction, and thoughtful facilitation, can create environments that encourage self-discovery, value exploration, and lasting reflection. Bringing together artists, researchers, and VR creators, the panel will discuss both the opportunities and the limitations of immersive technologies, considering how they may shape the future of mental wellbeing, education, and human experience. Whether you are interested in art, neuroscience, psychology, or emerging technologies, this conversation offers an opportunity to rethink what virtual reality can become when designed with human growth.