The importance of research envisaged by the EMRN cannot be underestimated. The idea behind this interdisciplinary network is to enhance the research on the metaverse, to facilitate knowledge sharing and to produce joint publications and decision makers for the whole metaverse sector to learn from. Since the metaverse concept holds both exciting possibilities and difficult challenges, the EMRN must balance its research program to address both aspects. The network aims to play a critical role in conducting research that contributes to the responsible and sustainable development of the metaverse in collaboration with industry partners to ensure knowledge sharing, thereby shaping its future in a positive direction. The EMRN must negotiate its research program in the pendulum that swings from the exciting possibilities that could emerge from this revolutionary technological transformation to the challenges involved.