Research Policy

Iceland University of Arts conducts a wide range of research, working with a variety of materials, forms, and media Through artistic creation, new research methods are developed. Freedom and scope for research is available in an environment where different approaches, subjects, and representations are respected.

Research Policy of the Iceland University of the Arts 2025–2028

The Iceland University of the Arts employs artists and scholars who conduct research in and on the arts and in arts education. Researchers at the University have academic freedom in their work.
Research in the arts (artistic research) involves the integration of artistic creation, research, and scholarship within a specified field or through interdisciplinary collaboration. The output[1] is presented within a context that may include aesthetic, epistemological, ethical, political, and social references. The Iceland University of the Arts requires its researchers always to disseminate their findings publicly and accessibly, to specialists and the general public alike, whether in artistic or academic contexts. The direct and immediate relationship that the arts have with different age groups, lay and expert audiences alike, is one of the strengths of the field when assessing research benefits, as social impact is often significant and evident.

The output of research in the arts is twofold: on the one hand, an artwork or artistic work, and on the other, analytical reflection. “Work” refers to an output in any art form. The artwork as the product of the research process is always foregrounded, while analytical reflection provides insight into the process and offers researchers a venue for situating their work within a specific context.

Goals
1. The University has a strong research culture driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the initiative of academic staff.
1.1. Staff research projects are the foundation of all research activity at the University. Researchers have time for research and the flexibility to conduct it according to the premises of each project.
1.2. IUA encourages researchers to develop their projects and to apply for grants as appropriate.
1.3. Researchers are encouraged to engage in research collaboration both within and beyond the University, nationally and internationally.
1.4. IUA emphasises diverse platforms for research dissemination that respond to the needs of different researchers and research topics.
1.5. At IUA, research integrity and related ethics are paramount.

2. Research at IUA has international impact and is in dialogue with Icelandic society.
2.1. Research projects are a driving force in society
2.2. Research is disseminated in public forums, and the general public has access to research findings.
2.3. Researchers appear publicly as experts in their fields.
2.4. IUA engages in research collaboration with other institutions, stakeholders, and professional associations, and the needs of society influence the development of research projects.
2.5. The Iceland University of the Arts is an active participant in international collaboration.

3. IUA provides researchers with strong support and ensures the quality of their research through the University’s Research Centre.
3.1. Regular training and support are offered to researchers as appropriate.
3.2. A robust and improvement-oriented research assessment process is maintained.
3.3. Strong internal research funds are operated, with allocations made on the basis of quality.
3.4. The quality of research and of the research environment is assessed annually

4. At IUA, students benefit from staff research activity and have opportunities to develop a research mindset during their studies
4.1. Researchers draw on their own research in teaching where possible
4.2. Students are introduced to research methods at all levels of study.
4.3. IUA encourages applications to the Student Innovation Fund.
4.4. Students are given opportunities to participate in staff research.
4.5. Master’s students participate in University committees and councils in the field of research.

5. Doctoral studies in the arts will be offered once ministerial accreditation has been granted.
5.1. Doctoral studies in fine art 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 competence to supervise doctoral students.
5.3. Departments have a clear future vision for research activity and development within their respective disciplines, supporting third-cycle education.
5.4. A formal framework is in place for third-cycle research education.
5.5. IUA has formal partnerships with leading art universities abroad for the training and support of doctoral students.