Research strategy

Iceland Academy of the Arts Research Strategy 2025-2028

The Iceland Academy of the Arts employs artists and scholars who conduct research in and on the arts and in art education. Researchers at the school have academic freedom of action.
Artistic research involves the integration of artistic creation, research and scholarship in a specific field or in interdisciplinary collaboration. The results[1] are presented in a context that may include aesthetic, epistemological, ethical, political and social references. The University of the Arts requires its researchers to always communicate their findings in a public and accessible manner, to experts and the general public, whether in an artistic or academic context. The direct and direct connection that the arts have with different age groups, both amateur and professional, is one of the strengths of the field when it comes to assessing the benefits of research, as the societal impact is often significant and obvious.

The output of research in the arts is twofold: on the one hand, a work, and on the other, an analytical discussion. A work refers to an output in any art form. The artwork as the product of a research process is always in the foreground, but analytical discussion is a way to provide insight into the process and a platform for researchers to place their work in a specific context.

Objectives
1. The school has a strong research activity that is driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the courage of academic staff.
1.1. Staff research projects are the foundation of all research activities at the school. Researchers have time for research and the flexibility to conduct it based on the requirements of each project.
1.2. LHÍ encourages researchers to develop their projects and to apply for grants as appropriate.
1.3. Researchers are encouraged to collaborate in research within the school as well as externally, domestically and internationally.
1.4. LHÍ emphasizes a diverse research dissemination platform that meets the needs of different researchers and subjects.
1.5. At the Icelandic Institute of Technology, the integrity of research and related ethics are paramount.

2. Research at the Icelandic Institute of Technology has an international impact and is in dialogue with Icelandic society.
2.1. Research projects are a driving force in society.
2.2. Research is communicated in a public forum and the public has access to research results.
2.3. Researchers appear publicly as experts in their field.
2.4. LHÍ is involved in research collaborations with other institutions, stakeholders and professional associations, and the needs of society influence the development of research projects.
2.5. The University of the Arts is an active participant in international collaboration.

3. LHÍ provides strong support to researchers and ensures the quality of their research at the university's Research Center.
3.1. Regular training and support is provided to researchers as appropriate.
3.2. Robust and improvement-oriented research evaluation is maintained.
3.3. Strong internal research funds are operated, allocated on the basis of quality.
3.4. The quality of research and the research environment is assessed annually.

4. At LHÍ, students benefit from the research activities of staff and have the opportunity to develop a research mindset during their studies.
4.1. Researchers use their own research in teaching where possible.
4.2. Students become familiar with research methods at all levels of study.
4.3. LHÍ encourages applications for the Student Innovation Fund.
4.4. Students are given the opportunity to participate in staff research.
4.5. Master's students participate in the school's committees and councils in the field of research.

5. Doctoral studies in the arts will be available once the ministry has approved them.
5.1. Doctoral studies in fine arts and doctoral studies in music lay the foundation for the continued development of doctoral studies in the arts.
5.2. A diverse group of academic staff has the skills to supervise doctoral students.
5.3. Faculties have a clear vision for research and development within the relevant discipline that supports third-cycle studies.
5.4. There is a formal framework for research studies at the third level.
5.5. The Icelandic Academy of Fine Arts has formal collaborations with leading art universities abroad regarding training and support for doctoral students.