SURGE Sci/Art Partnerships Research Call

Collaborate with artists to investigate the role of surgical technologies and data in the future of healthcare and their effect on society.

We are inviting researchers at the Wellcome / EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS) and artists from the University Arts London (UAL) to come together to consider the public, ethical and societal effects of surgical technologies. 

An expression of interest is sought from WEISS staff and students to take part in a matchmaking event in November for ‘Surge’: an artist and engineering partnership opportunity from 2020 – 2021. Applications need to be submitted by email by Tuesday 15 September (23:59), answering the questions below.

This is a supportive opportunity to take part in public engagement with artists and meet others able to help you see your research in new ways, ask new questions and explore topics of societal interest with the public through short collaborative projects. 

Process

Following statements of interest, artists and researchers will be shortlisted and invited to a digital matchmaking session as a chance to meet and build relationships, followed by time to discuss and optionally apply for a collaboration grant to develop a project together.

The selected resulting partnerships will have 4 months to develop a project, which must involve exploring topics with the public. ‘Surge’ aims to be a supportive process of collaboration, with regular training and networking workshops.

The final pieces will be displayed at a few places including a UAL gallery and online on kunstmatrix.com.

Timeline

The project will start with one digital matchmaking workshop, followed by an optional projects call. Successful projects from this call must be able to commit to 2-3 workshops over a four month project, you would be encouraged to delve deeper if you wish.

Expression of Interest

If you are interested in taking part, then please answer the below questions to help the WEISS Public Engagement team work out who is most suitable to take part.  We only have limited space for people to take part.

An expression of interest is due by Tuesday 15 September (23:59) and should be sent to Simon Watt at simon.watt@ucl.ac.uk

1. Name
2. Department
3. What Public Engagement have you been involved with and how did it affect you? (max 200 words)
4. What themes and questions interest you in relation to how surgical technology research impacts people and society? This can be wider thoughts and interests and will not necessarily form the basis of your contribution to the workshop (max 200 words)
5. Why do you want to collaborate with an artist? (max 200 words)
6. Have you asked your line manager’s approval for time to take part? Please send an email of authorisation from your line manager with your statement of interest