The Crearte Foundation for Art-Science Innovation
Research Policy
Advancing human-centered research at the intersection of art, science and technology.
Policy Outline
3.1 Human Experience, Perception & Embodiment
3.2 Knowledge Integration & Ways of Knowing
3.3 Human-Centered Systems & Innovation
3.4 Culture, Society & Meaning-Making
3.5 Sustainability, Systems & Futures
6.1 Research Excellence and Rigour
6.2 Interdisciplinary Integration and Added Value
6.3 Innovation and Originality
6.4 Knowledge Mobilization and Impact Potential
6.5 Ethical Compliance and Equity Considerations
1. Purpose and Scope
This Research Policy defines the principles, governance framework, and standards guiding all research activities conducted or supported by the organization.
In alignment with the expectations of the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (Canada) and the Tri-Council Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Human (Canada), the organization supports high-quality, ethical and impactful research that advances knowledge through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches spanning arts, social sciences, science, engineering and technology.
This policy applies to:
- Internal research initiatives
- Collaborative academic research
- Research Partnerships
- Community-based and participatory research
- Applied innovation and artistic research within the network
2. Definition of Interdisciplinary Research
In accordance with tri-agency norms, interdisciplinary research is defined as: Research that involves the integration, interaction or synthesis of concepts, theories, methods and epistemologies from two or more disciplines in order to address complex questions that cannot be adequately resolved within a single field. Within this organization, interdisciplinarity may include:- Integration of social sciences (e.g., sociology, systems science, organizational studies)
- Application of quantitative and qualitative methodologies
- Collaboration with technology, engineering and innovation disciplines
- Inclusion of artistic research and creative practice as legitimate forms of knowledge production
- Development of human-centered systems addressing culture, education, sustainability, and careers
Interdisciplinarity is assessed not by the presence of multiple disciplines alone, but by the degree of conceptual and methodological integration and resulting added value.
3.0 Research Streams
Research activities may fall under one or more of the following interconnected streams:
3.1 Human Experience, Perception & Embodiment
This research stream examines how human experience is shaped through the body, perception and interaction with the world, recognizing that understanding emerges through both analytical and expressive forms.
Focus: embodiment, perception, movement, cognition, lived experience, sensory and expressive forms of understanding.
3.2 Knowledge Integration & Ways of Knowing
This research stream explores how different forms of knowledge, whether scientific, artistic or cultural, can be integrated to address complex questions that cannot be resolved within a single discipline.
Focus: interdisciplinary knowledge systems, artistic and scientific inquiry, epistemology, methodological innovation, knowledge translation, evaluation methods.
3.3 Human-Centered Systems & Innovation
This research stream investigates how technological, educational and organizational systems can be re-designed to better reflect human needs, creativity, and lived realities.
Focus: socio-technical systems, education, careers, organizational development, innovation ecosystems, human-centered design.
3.4 Culture, Society & Meaning-Making
This research stream examines how cultural and social contexts shape how individuals and communities create, interpret and share meaning between art and science.
Focus: cultural systems, identity, social behavior, participation, collaboration, collective meaning-making.
3.5 Sustainability, Systems & Futures
This research stream addresses complex, interconnected challenges by exploring sustainable systems and imagining alternative futures across environmental, cultural and human dimensions.
Focus: sustainability (environmental, cultural, human), systems thinking, long-term futures, resilience, global challenges, biodesign.
All streams are considered equally valid within the organization’s research ecosystem, provided they meet standards of rigour, ethics and contribution.
4.0 Ethical Framework and Responsible Conduct of Research
All research must adhere to principles consistent with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) and the Responsible Conduct of Research Framework, including:
- Respect for persons, communities, and cultural contexts
- Free, informed, and ongoing consent
- Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) considerations
- Integrity in data collection, analysis, and dissemination
- Transparency and accountability in research practices
- Avoidance of harm (physical, psychological, social, or cultural)
Animal research is not permitted under this policy.
5.0 Official Languages Policy
In accordance with the Official Languages Act (Canada) and tri-agency expectations:
- The organization operates in English and French
- All research outputs must include a French abstract
- Full French translation of outputs is encouraged and may be provided depending on project scope and resources
- Knowledge mobilization materials should strive for bilingual accessibility where feasible
6.0 Peer Review Guidelines
Peer review processes are designed to reflect tri-agency principles of fairness, transparency, and disciplinary diversity.
All research outputs will be evaluated using the following criteria:
6.1 Research Excellence and Rigour
- Clarity and coherence of research objectives
- Appropriateness of methodological design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed)
- Validity, reliability and/or credibility of findings
- Theoretical or conceptual grounding
6.2 Interdisciplinary Integration and Added Value
- Degree of integration across disciplines (not parallel contribution)
- Evidence of conceptual synthesis across fields
- Ability to address complex problems beyond a single disciplinary lens
- Clarity of communication across disciplinary boundaries
6.3 Innovation and Originality
- Novelty of approach, framework, or methodology
- Contribution to emerging interdisciplinary or applied knowledge domains
- Creative integration of artistic and scientific methods
6.4 Knowledge Mobilization and Impact Potential
- Relevance to academic, cultural, or applied communities
- Potential for transferability across contexts
- Accessibility of outputs to non-specialist audiences
- Contribution to policy, practice, or innovation ecosystems
6.5 Ethical Compliance and Equity Considerations
- Adherence to ethical frameworks
- Inclusion of diverse perspectives and participants
- Responsible research practices throughout all stages
Peer reviewers are expected to evaluate research within the context of interdisciplinary norms, rather than through the lens of a single discipline.
7.0 Assessment of Contributions
Contributions to research will be assessed based on quality, impact and significance, rather than volume or traditional publication metrics alone.
Recognized contributions include:
- Peer-reviewed publications and scholarly outputs
- Artistic and practice-based research outputs
- Technical or applied innovations and prototypes
- Community-engaged and participatory research outcomes
- Policy-relevant or knowledge mobilization outputs
- Leadership in interdisciplinary collaboration
Authorship and credit will reflect substantive intellectual, methodological, artistic, or organizational contribution, in accordance with established academic norms adapted for interdisciplinary contexts.
8.0 Impact Assessment and Knowledge Mobilization
Research impact will be assessed in alignment with tri-agency expectations of knowledge mobilization and societal benefit, including:
- Advancement of interdisciplinary knowledge
- Cultural, educational and societal relevance
- Contributions to innovation, systems change, or applied practice
- Engagement with communities, institutions, and international partners
- Accessibility and dissemination of research outputs (including bilingual dissemination)
- Long-term influence on research, policy, or practice ecosystems
Impact may be immediate or longitudinal and is not limited to academic citation metrics.
9.0 Governance and Peer Review Structure
Research governance is overseen by an internal research coordination structure or advisory body responsible for:
- Ensuring alignment with ethical and interdisciplinary standards
- Coordinating peer review processes
- Maintaining reviewer diversity across disciplines
- Overseeing research integrity and compliance
Peer review panels must include expertise across multiple relevant domains (arts, sciences, social sciences and applied/technical fields where applicable)
10.0 General Complaints and Dispute Resolution
The organization maintains a formal, transparent complaints mechanism for issues related to:
- Research ethics or integrity
- Authorship or intellectual contribution disputes
- Peer review or evaluation concerns
- Collaboration or partnership conflicts
Procedure:
- Written submission of complaint to the Research Governance Body
- Acknowledgement within 10 business days
- Review involving relevant stakeholders and documentation
- Determination of findings and corrective measures, if applicable
- Written resolution provided to all relevant parties
All complaints are handled in accordance with principles of confidentiality, fairness, procedural transparency, and non-retaliation.
11.0 Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed on a biennial basis, or earlier if required, to ensure alignment with evolving tri-agency standards, interdisciplinary research practices, and organizational development.
[Updated as of April 2026]
The Crearte Foundation for Art-Science Innovation
We believe in the transformative potential of creativity and innovation at the intersection of art, science and technology. We are uplifting and amplifying art-science efforts, developing a powerful network of interdisciplinary research and creation.
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