About this Research Topic
As humanity confronts unprecedented challenges driven by climate change, pandemics, technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, social and cultural shifts, rapid urbanization, and the complexities of space exploration, the need for innovative evidence-based solutions becomes increasingly paramount. In extreme conditions, ranging from ICUs and war zones to the outer reaches of space, necessity has driven us to develop innovative and creative tools and interventions to support human needs in such challenging environments.
Advancements in immersive technologies, digital connectivity, automation, advanced interfaces, robotics, and AI are transforming how we sustain human performance in extreme environments. These technologies are increasingly integrated and accessible across various fields. For example, Immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionizing military, medical, and astronaut training. They can provide realistic and immersive simulations and can be used alongside other devices like Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), allowing users to practice tasks, learn skills, and manage psychological stress.
Research also shows these technologies can support people in isolated, confined, or extreme (ICE) environments. For example, on the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts use VR to simulate restorative environments to reduce the negative impact of isolation and stress. Similarly, technologies like VR enable virtual consultations and surgeries in remote locations, significantly improving healthcare delivery in extreme conditions.
This topic invites researchers and experts to contribute to our understanding of the social and psychological impact of living and working in ICE environments. We are also interested in exploring novel technological approaches, including advanced immersive technologies and interfaces that help offset some of the challenges of living and working in such conditions.
We welcome research and perspective pieces that enhance our theoretical and practical knowledge in these areas. Original user studies are not mandatory; we encourage analyses of previous research from this new perspective.
We invite submissions on a broad range of topics across various extreme environments, including but not limited to:
Adaptation, resilience, and performance in remote work and ICE conditions
Affective computing technologies for ICE environments
The role of artificial intelligence in supporting behavioral health in ICE settings
Cross-cultural considerations in multinational teams operating in ICE environments
Gender differences in psychological responses to ICE conditions
Ethical considerations in the integration of technology within ICE environments
Space medicine practices in ICE contexts
Worker selection, simulation, and training processes for ICE conditions
The use of immersive environments in behavioral research (e.g., presence, eye-tracking, evaluation in extended reality)
Neurological, perceptual, and sensory research relevant to ICE environments
Psychological preparation and debriefing protocols for individuals engaged in ICE missions
The application of artificial intelligence and big data in the space sector
The impact of environmental design on psychological well-being in ICE habitats
The psychosocial effects of ICE environments, including space analogs and human space exploration (e.g., issues related to sensory alteration, monotony, human adaptability, circadian rhythm disruption, communication challenges, risk management, social dynamics, team cohesion, and stress management)
The contributions of art, architecture, and industrial design to human well-being in ICE contexts
The role of virtual and augmented reality in providing psychological support and enhancing mental health in ICE environments
Applications of sports psychology in ICE settings
Telemedicine and mental health support in ICE conditions
Telepresence applications in situations involving delayed communication in ICE contexts
Validated psychosocial measurement tools for ICE environments
We look forward to your contributions to this vital field of study.
Advancements in immersive technologies, digital connectivity, automation, advanced interfaces, robotics, and AI are transforming how we sustain human performance in extreme environments. These technologies are increasingly integrated and accessible across various fields. For example, Immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionizing military, medical, and astronaut training. They can provide realistic and immersive simulations and can be used alongside other devices like Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), allowing users to practice tasks, learn skills, and manage psychological stress.
Research also shows these technologies can support people in isolated, confined, or extreme (ICE) environments. For example, on the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts use VR to simulate restorative environments to reduce the negative impact of isolation and stress. Similarly, technologies like VR enable virtual consultations and surgeries in remote locations, significantly improving healthcare delivery in extreme conditions.
This topic invites researchers and experts to contribute to our understanding of the social and psychological impact of living and working in ICE environments. We are also interested in exploring novel technological approaches, including advanced immersive technologies and interfaces that help offset some of the challenges of living and working in such conditions.
We welcome research and perspective pieces that enhance our theoretical and practical knowledge in these areas. Original user studies are not mandatory; we encourage analyses of previous research from this new perspective.
We invite submissions on a broad range of topics across various extreme environments, including but not limited to:
Adaptation, resilience, and performance in remote work and ICE conditions
Affective computing technologies for ICE environments
The role of artificial intelligence in supporting behavioral health in ICE settings
Cross-cultural considerations in multinational teams operating in ICE environments
Gender differences in psychological responses to ICE conditions
Ethical considerations in the integration of technology within ICE environments
Space medicine practices in ICE contexts
Worker selection, simulation, and training processes for ICE conditions
The use of immersive environments in behavioral research (e.g., presence, eye-tracking, evaluation in extended reality)
Neurological, perceptual, and sensory research relevant to ICE environments
Psychological preparation and debriefing protocols for individuals engaged in ICE missions
The application of artificial intelligence and big data in the space sector
The impact of environmental design on psychological well-being in ICE habitats
The psychosocial effects of ICE environments, including space analogs and human space exploration (e.g., issues related to sensory alteration, monotony, human adaptability, circadian rhythm disruption, communication challenges, risk management, social dynamics, team cohesion, and stress management)
The contributions of art, architecture, and industrial design to human well-being in ICE contexts
The role of virtual and augmented reality in providing psychological support and enhancing mental health in ICE environments
Applications of sports psychology in ICE settings
Telemedicine and mental health support in ICE conditions
Telepresence applications in situations involving delayed communication in ICE contexts
Validated psychosocial measurement tools for ICE environments
We look forward to your contributions to this vital field of study.
Keywords: ICE, space, technology, human-computer interfaces, extreme environments, immersive technologies, XR, VR, AR, behavioral health
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
