Research strategy

Research policy of the Iceland Academy of the Arts 2025-2028

The Iceland Academy of the Arts employs artists and academics who conduct research in and on the arts and in art education. Researchers at the school have academic freedom of action.
Research in the arts (e. artistic research) involves the integration of art creation, research and studies in a specified field of study or in interdisciplinary collaboration. The result[1] is presented in a context that can include aesthetic, epistemological, ethical, political and societal references. The University of the Arts requires its researchers to always communicate results in a public and accessible way, to experts as well as the public, whether on an artistic or academic level. The direct and unmediated relationship the arts have with different age groups, played and learned, is one strength of the field of study when assessing the benefits of research, where social impact is often great and obvious.

The results of research in the arts are of two types at a time: on the one hand, work and on the other, analytical discussion. A work refers to the results in any art form. The artwork as a 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 put their work in a specific context.

Objectives
1. The school has strong research activities that are driven by the search for knowledge and the boldness of academic staff.
1.1. Staff research projects are the basis of all the school's research activities. Researchers have time for research work and the flexibility to pursue it based on the criteria 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 abroad, domestically and abroad.
1.4. LHÍ emphasizes a diverse communication platform for research that meets the needs of different researchers and subjects.
1.5. At LHÍ, the integrity of research and ethics related to it are paramount.

2. Research at LHÍ has an impact on an international level and is in conversation with Icelandic society.
2.1. Research projects are a driving force in society.
2.2. Research is communicated in the public arena and the public has access to research results.
2.3. Researchers appear publicly as experts in their field.
2.4. LHÍ has research cooperation 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 cooperation.

3. LHÍ provides strong support to researchers and ensures the quality of their research at the level of the school's Research Center.
3.1. Regular training and support to researchers is offered as appropriate.
3.2. A strong and reform-oriented research assessment is managed.
3.3. Strong internal research funds are operated from which they are allocated on the basis of quality.
3.4. The quality of research and research environment is assessed annually.

4. At LHÍ, students benefit from the research activity of staff and have the possibility to develop a research mindset during their study period.
4.1. Researchers use their own research in teaching where possible.
4.2. Students learn about research methods at all study levels.
4.3. LHÍ encourages the application to the Student Innovation Fund.
4.4. Students have 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 when the recognition of the ministry is available.
5.1. The doctoral program in art and the doctoral program in music lay the foundation for the continued development of doctoral programs in the arts.
5.2. A diverse group of academic staff has the skills to guide doctoral students.
5.3. Departments have a clear vision for research work and development within the relevant profession that supports learning at the third level.
5.4. There is a formal framework for research studies at the third level.
5.5. LHÍ has a formal collaboration with leading art universities abroad on training and support for doctoral students.