The Rock Your Research project officially started with a kick-off meeting at Linnaeus University in Växjö on 3–4 March 2025. This three-year initiative will explore how higher education institutions can integrate artistic collaboration into research and public engagement.
The new Erasmus+ project project is based on the idea that universities can play a more active role in engaging society by fostering creative exchanges between researchers, artists, and citizens. While collaborations between scientists and artists are not new, Rock Your Research aims to take this a step further by involving the public directly in the process, fostering what is called ’knowledge valorisation’ – the process of ensuring knowledge is effectively shared and applied by society. Public & Science Sweden is one of five partner organisations in the project.
”There are many examples of projects where researchers and artists work together, but fewer that actively involve citizens. Exploring how to make this happen will be both exciting and challenging”, said Lena Söderström, Project Manager at Public & Science.
Planned activities
To achieve its goals, the project will implement several activities, including:
- RockItMap – a mapping of existing art-science collaborations from across Europe, providing inspiration for new collaborations.
- Rock It Cafés – a series of dialogues involving artists, scientists and the public.
- Rock It Labs – creative spaces where artists and researchers work together to develop small-scale collaborative projects.
- Rock It Exhibition – a showcase of created artworks developed through the project, making scientific concepts more accessible to a wider audience.
In the project, Public & Science Sweden is responsible for mapping existing art-science initiatives and developing methodologies for the Rock It Cafés, as well as supporting Linnaeus University in Sweden-based activities.
”Public & Science brings extensive experience in public engagement and participatory methodologies to this project. However, working closely with artists is a relatively new and exciting aspect for us, and we look forward to learning from other partners and this collaborative process”, added Lena Söderström.
A broader collaboration model
At its core, Rock Your Research seeks to redefine the role of universities by transforming them into more open, interactive spaces where researchers, artists, and the public collaborate on equal terms. By testing new methodologies and fostering transdisciplinary networks, the project hopes to build long-term strategies for public engagement and knowledge sharing. As the project unfolds, it will provide valuable insights into how artistic collaboration can enhance the way knowledge is created and communicated, making research more accessible and relevant to society.
