Inaugural GAP-XR President Forum Featuring Hunter G. Hoffman, PhD

Thursday, December 3, 2026
10:00-11:00 AM Eastern Time (USA)
Virtual Event

The GAP-XR President Forum is a quarterly speaker series that brings together leading researchers, clinicians, educators, trainees, and industry partners to advance pediatric extended reality (XR) research and innovation. The forum highlights emerging scientific discoveries, promotes international collaboration, and supports the mission of the Global Association for Pediatric Extended Reality (GAP-XR) to advance the safe, ethical, and equitable use of XR technologies for children and adolescents.

We are honored to welcome Hunter G. Hoffman, PhD as the inaugural invited speaker. Dr. Hoffman is internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to therapeutic virtual reality and has helped shape the field’s understanding of how immersive technologies can reduce pain, anxiety, and distress during medical procedures and rehabilitation.

Presentation

“Real Objects, Virtual Worlds: New Directions in VR Pain Control and Mindfulness for Children”

About the Speaker

Hunter G. Hoffman, PhD serves as Director of the Virtual Reality Research Center at the Human Photonics Laboratory and is Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. His groundbreaking research has advanced the clinical application of virtual reality for pain management, rehabilitation, and healthcare innovation. His work has influenced researchers and clinicians worldwide and helped establish virtual reality as an evidence-based therapeutic tool.

Forum Format

Each President Forum includes:

  • Featured presentation by an invited expert
  • Conversation with Henry Xiang, MD, MPH, PhD, MBA, Founder and Inaugural President of GAP-XR
  • Live audience Q&A
  • Opportunities for scientific exchange and collaboration

Sessions are recorded and made available through the GAP-XR website to support global access and engagement.

Registration

Participation is free and open to researchers, clinicians, educators, trainees, students, and industry professionals interested in pediatric XR and related technologies.

Register here: LINK

We invite you to join us for this inaugural forum as we launch a new platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and advancing the future of pediatric XR.