The Challenge
The academic-in-residence model was pioneered by Yiota through a 2013 partnership between Bluecoat Arts Centre and University of Liverpool’s Department of Philosophy. Yiota’s research on aesthetics and philosophical pedagogy emphasizes the relevance of ancient and late antique philosophical methodology and theories for engaging with contemporary art and for participating in creative practice through philosophical reflection.
Research Action
This research fed into the development of a framework for cross-institutional collaboration that implements research as a collaborative and continuous process of dialogue, reflection and evaluation with the public.
The situated researcher contributes to the host institutions’ management meetings, designs and delivers staff-training workshops and leads an intensive programme of public events around research questions co-developed with partners.
Working in Partnerships
Since 2014, academics from philosophy, sociology, music and creative writing have used Yiota’s model in residencies at Bluecoat, Open Eye Gallery and Bury Museum.
In 2018 Yiota began a 12-month residence with NHS Research & Development North West (NHS R&D NW) in November 2018. This new residency takes the model outside of the cultural sector for the first time and aims to bring philosophical reasoning to some of the key agendas in health and social care.
For this residency, Yiota is working as part of a team, along with Dr Rachael Wiseman (Philosophy), and Professor Michael Hauskeller (Philosophy). The team will be helping to deliver an exciting programme of situated research through the professional development series 'Thinking Matters'which aims to create opportunities for questioning, critical discussion and rational reflection. The first event in this series is a catalyst workshop: “Is there ever a right time to die?”.
Outputs and Outcomes
Throughout the year there will be a series of activities from small workshops to larger conference style days where healthcare professionals, health and care researchers, NHS managers and policy makers can connect with the philosophers. They will explore through rational investigation the truths and principles underpinning the NHS culture and the way it works both at an individual level and at a corporate level.
I am delighted to host this residency with my team and hope that this is the beginning of a new way of thinking about the future of health and care research.
Professor Stuart Eglin, CEO NHS R&D NW