Research at ICST is broad in scope, combining scientific and artistic research topics and methods. The pre-PhD program EARS at ICST provides an inspiring environment in which to develop a practice-based research project, with the goal of pursuing a doctoral degree in artistic research.
Research at ICST is wide-ranging and brings together scientific and artistic research topics and methods. EARS, ICST's pre-PhD program, offers the opportunity to develop an artistic research project in an inspiring environment and to prepare an application for a doctorate/PhD in the arts. Participants in the EARS program define their research topic, explore different methodological approaches, and outline possible output formats for their planned doctoral project. They are supported by the ICST team (see Main Mentors under "ICST Areas of Expertise") but work largely independently on their projects. The program concludes with a project presentation and a research plan, which is intended to serve as the basis for an application to a doctoral program.
Exchange, shared reflection, mutual feedback, and collaboration with other researchers are essential to the practice of artistic research. For this reason, cultivating the necessary peer culture and trying out collaborative formats are key parts of EARS.
During the program, two in-person colloquia with all participants and the main mentors take place in Zurich. Further activities are arranged individually with the mentors and may include participation in internal and external workshops, insight into ongoing projects at ICST and ZHdK, or work in the ICST studios. ICST provides basic infrastructural support and covers travel costs for up to three stays in Zurich, as well as accommodation for a total of ten nights. No tuition fees are charged. Participants are expected to take an active part in the in-person colloquia and in individual mentoring sessions at ZHdK, as well as in regular online meetings. Additional mentoring may also take place online. Please note that no ECTS credits are awarded for participation in EARS, and that neither admission to a doctoral program nor a commitment to supervision can be guaranteed.