Exploring scientific creativity through artistic and transdisciplinary research

The doctoral seminar dedicated to arts-based research methodology (A/R/Tography) was held from March 26 to 28, 2025 in Aix-en-Provence. This event was organized by the Laboratory for Speech and Language (LPL), represented by Sandrine Eschenauer and Pascale Brandt Pomares as Director ofINSPE at Aix-Marseille Université, host and partner.

As part of the Scientific Creativity Incentives for Doctoral Students (SCIDS) project, this seminar was based on an artistic and transdisciplinary approach: A/R/Tography. The SCIDS project aims to encourage scientific creativity among PhD students. 

Three workshops invited participants to explore their doctoral research projects through an artistic approach, integrating practices such as theater, visual arts and creative writing into the doctoral research process. These workshops encouraged participants to experiment with different approaches and enriching scientific reflection through artistic practice.

Seminar program:

  • Day 1: ”Art as research questioning” The workshops allowed students to see how artistic research can inform and expand understanding of their research and/or field of study.
  • Day 2: “Generating, collecting, analyzing and disseminating research” Through artistic modes of knowledge, participants engaged in collective practice-based approaches to reflect on how research is generated, collected, analyzed, and shared across disciplines.
  • Day 3: ”Presenting new forms of scientific knowledge and forging links with society” Workshops explored the impact of transdisciplinary/artistic research, showing how various disciplines can intersect to create new forms of knowledge, support adaptive and collaborative learning, and strengthen the links between the academical world and society.

We had the honor of welcoming George Belliveau, Professor of Theatre Education at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada), where he developed and directs the UBC Research-based Theatre Lab. This artistic research laboratory supports the exploration of theatre as a research methodology and promotes transdisciplinary, collaborative initiatives among researchers, artists, and stakeholders from the economic, cultural, and industrial sectors. George Belliveau also trains future teachers from kindergarten through high school, and has professional training as an actor.