iA*

iA* Regulation

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by

iartes
in

University of Beira Interior

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

 

iA* Arts Research 

 

Preamble

 

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Beira Interior has been providing higher education of an artistic nature since September 2000. Initially, in the areas of Multimedia Design and Fashion Design, this curricular offer was gradually extended to Cinema, Visual Arts Teaching, Design Industrial, Design and Development of Digital Games and Media Arts, currently making a total of 4 Programmes of 1st Cycle, 6 Programmes of 2nd Cycle and 2 PhD Programmes in artistic areas represent a universe close to a thousand students, involving 48 teachers, 29 of whom were guests. This curricular offer is complemented by 23 continuing training courses and 2 post-doctorates.

 

This vitality was embodied in 2019 in the creation of the Department of Arts, which has allowed those disciplinary areas to be properly enrolled in the Academy and has undoubtedly contributed to the greater taxonomic, scientific and pedagogical coherence of UBI’s curricular offer. This process, with a direct effect on the visibility and quality of research in the field, generated the concomitant growth of the LabCom Arts Group – Communication and Arts, an R&D unit (UIDB/00661/2020) whose “mission is to promote advanced research around of communication phenomena, technologies, media and arts, especially those underlying online and digital processes in contemporary times, within a framework of interdisciplinarity between communication sciences and research in the arts”.

 

Although it has integrated teachers and researchers from artistic areas since its foundation, LabCom registers with the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the scientific area of ​​Communication Sciences. Despite the virtuous osmosis provided over time with the area of ​​Communication Sciences and the internal facilitation of the administrative management of research, such dilution has not contributed to the proper framing of the specific dynamics of the Arts, both in research and in the countless activities of extension to society or in the desired scientific reciprocity with similar entities.

 

Thus, by organic homology with the creation of the Arts Department and with awareness of the responsibility that changes constantly imply, the Arts Group approved on 8th June 2022 the proposal to establish an autonomous research unit to support current and future study programmes in the areas of Cinema, Design, Visual Arts and Media Arts, consolidating the presence of Arts in the UBI organisation, without, however, excluding the maintenance and even expansion of connection with other related scientific areas, such as Architecture, Technology, Culture, Aesthetics and the broad spectrum of Cultural and Creative Industries.

 

Intending to contribute to this aim, the proposal to create the Arts Research, henceforth iA*, results from the formal recognition by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the growth and dynamics of the previous Labcom Arts Group – Communication and Arts that, since 2015, the number of integrated members with doctorates has increased from 15 to 30, currently counting more than 50 collaborators, including doctors and doctoral students, many of them external to UBI. This recognition was implemented in the appointment of the Installation Committee of the new Unit at the meeting on the 1st of February, with the task of preparing the Regulations and other procedural pieces necessary for the creation of this new organic subunit of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAL), objectively aimed at for research in Arts, under Art. 5, paragraph b), subparagraph ii of the UBI Statutes.

 

By creating this Arts Research, the University of Beira Interior (UBI) complies, firstly, with its Nature and Mission, established respectively in Articles 1 and 2 of its Statutes, in which UBI asserts itself as “a higher education institution oriented towards the creation, transmission and dissemination of culture, arts, knowledge, science and technology, through the articulation of study and teaching, research and the transfer of knowledge”. This framework competes with “promoting high-level qualifications, the production, transmission, criticism and dissemination of knowledge, culture, arts, science and technology, through study, teaching and research, within an international reference framework.”

 

In this sense, iA* has the institutional purpose of supporting, facilitating, and disseminating research in the Arts field. It also reinforces synergy between the various study cycles and programmes in terms of material infrastructure and human resources allocated to research, aiming to simultaneously meet the requirements for the award of the Doctorate Degree established in Article 29 of the Legal Regime of Degrees and Diplomas in Higher Education, Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of 24 December March, in its current version.

 

Thus, iA* is a permanent research and development unit that promotes advanced research around contemporary artistic and project phenomena, considering their multiplicity and specificity in a critical, theoretical and operational dynamic. An objective that implies, from the outset, considering the intersection of the field of Arts with the significant societal challenges without, however, failing to attend to aspects of a more self-referential, procedural or even ontological nature present in the arts from the most stabilised to the emerging ones, from the most disciplinary to the most intermediate and multisensory. In this way, iA* assumes the promotion of creativity and scientific initiation as a core vector of its mission.

 

Like the other R&D units at UBI, iA* adopts an organisation that articulates the directive structure, relatively canonical and executive in nature, entrusting the laboratories with responsibilities relating to the conduct of research lines and projects, to achieve a paradigm of essentially problematic, rather than disciplinary, nature. In addition to the action of the Management, the Laboratories, the Scientific Committee, the Assembly and the Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee, an Editorial Board and an Advisory Board were created, clarifying responsibilities to focus the activity of iA* on the people’s challenges of Art and Science, both at the University and in contemporary society.

 

iA* Arts Research

Regulation 

 

Article 1 (Nature)

The Arts Research is a permanent research and development unit integrated into the University of Beira Interior – UBI, hereinafter referred to by the acronym iA*.

 

Article 2 (Mission)

iA*’s mission is to promote advanced research into artistic phenomena, considering their multiplicity and specificity, in a critical, theoretical and operational dynamic especially between the fields of Cinema, Design, Media Arts and Visual Arts.

 

Article 3 (Objectives)

The objectives of iA* are:

  1. Coordinate and support research in the field of arts at UBI;
  2. Promote inter, multi and transdisciplinary research on issues relating to contemporary artistic and project practices;
  3. Guarantee the material and human infrastructure necessary for high-level research;
  4. Promote the initiation and dissemination of research in the various study cycles;
  5. Publish the results of the research carried out, as well as works of interest for the development of the scientific areas;
  6. Promote scientific exchange with similar institutions;
  7. Organize scientific and artistic events, such as conferences, congresses, colloquia, festivals, exhibitions and residencies related to their areas of research;
  8. Undertake internationalisation and community connection strategies through partnerships and regional and global sharing and dissemination networks;
  9. Strengthen mobility and artistic and scientific exchange.

 

Article 4 (Competencies)

Under the UBI Faculty Regulations, iA*’s responsibilities are:

  1. Collaborate in the formulation and execution of the annual activity plan and the global strategy defined by the Vice-Rector for Research;
  2. Collaborate with study cycles and programmes, namely those at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities;
  3. Give opinions on research projects and course creation in collaboration with Departments and other Units when requested.

 

Article 5 (Headquarters and Structure)

  1. iA* is headquartered at UBI, where it carries out its activities.
  2. iA* may create centres in other institutions where integrated members of the Unit work.
  3. iA* is structured into research laboratories subordinate to problems inherent to its mission, objectives and competencies.

 

Article 6 (Members)

  1. iA* comprises PhD and non-PhD researchers who work in this R&D Unit. The appointment of new members requires approval by the Unit’s Direction, which must decide whether the researcher’s scientific and/or artistic profile is appropriate for the iA* mission.
  2. Researchers and/or artists of recognised merit who have made a contribution of exceptional relevance to the mission of iA* may be invited to join the Unit as honorary members without voting rights at the proposal of the Unit’s Direction approved by the Assembly.
  3. Members are linked to the Unit’s research laboratories and are required to satisfy the established minimum scientific production requirements.
  4. Collaborating members:
  5. a) Doctoral students from study cycles assigned to the Department of Arts are inherently collaborating members;
  6. b) Those who, on their initiative, request to collaborate with iA*.

 

Article 7 (Bodies)

The following are iA* bodies:

  1. Scientific Coordinator;
  2. Direction;
  3. Laboratories;
  4. Laboratory Coordinator;
  5. Editorial Board;
  6. Scientific Committee;
  7. Assembly; 
  8. Advisory Board; and
  9. Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee.

 

Art.º 8.º (Scientific Coordinator)

  1. The Scientific Coordinator is a PhD member of iA*, necessarily a Professor or Career Researcher at UBI.
  2. The Scientific Coordinator is elected by the Unit’s Scientific Committee for a two-year term, by Article 23 of the Electoral Regulations for the Bodies of the Units and Organic Subunits of the University of Beira Interior.
  3. The Scientific Coordinator is responsible for:
  4. a) Represent iA*;
  5. b) Define the Unit’s priorities and activities in conjunction with its bodies;
  6. c) Conduct the day-to-day management of iA*;
  7. d) Convene and preside over meetings of the Board, the Scientific Committee and the Assembly;
  8. e) Coordinate the preparation of activity plans, reports and annual budgets;
  9. f) Delegate powers, when deemed necessary and convenient;
  10. g) Except in paragraph b), the scientific coordinator may appoint a deputy coordinator and a secretary to assist in the abovementioned duties. 
  11. h) The temporary replacement of the Scientific Coordinator is made by the Vice-Coordinator, by paragraph 6 of Article 24 of the UBI Faculty Regulations;
  12. i) Propose to the Management the constitution of the Editorial Board;
  13. j) Propose to the Scientific Committee the creation of the Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee after consulting the Direction.

 

Article 9 (Direction)

  1. The Board comprises the Scientific Coordinator, eventual Vice-Coordinator, Unit Secretary, Directors of 3rd Cycle/PhD Programmes in the Department of Arts, laboratory coordinators, and editorial Coordinator.
  2. The Unit Direction is responsible for:
  3. a) Define the general lines of the Unit’s current management;
  4. b) Prepare, propose and execute the Activity Plan and Budget;
  5. c) Approve and publicise the Unit’s calendar of scientific and artistic activities;
  6. d) Give an opinion on the admission of new members;
  7. e) Propose to the Scientific Committee the creation or extinction of laboratories and centres;
  8. f) Appoint the Editorial Board upon proposal from the Scientific Coordinator;
  9. g) Approve the corporate identity and art direction of the Unit.

 

Article 10 (Laboratories)

  1. In pursuit of its mission, iA* integrates research laboratories on inter-, multi-, or transdisciplinary artistic projects and issues.
  2. The laboratories comprise at least 4 integrated and 4 collaborating members.
  3. The Board approves the establishment of laboratories based on a proposal from 4 integrated members with an activity plan.
  4. The laboratories’ competencies are:
  5. a) Elect its coordinator;
  6. b) Outline and execute its sectoral Activity Plan, reporting to the Management, integrated into the unit’s calendar of scientific and artistic activities;
  7. c) Establish, manage and execute own research projects;
  8. d) Promote the scientific initiation of 1st, 2nd and 3rd cycle students of the Department of Arts, namely by framing the thesis projects of 3rd Cycle / Doctorate students.

 

Article 11 (Laboratory Coordinator)

  1. The Laboratory Coordinator is an integrated member of iA*, elected by the members of the respective research Laboratory, for a two-year term.
  2. The Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for:
  3. a) Scientifically and strategically coordinate the respective Laboratory in conjunction with its members and the Direction;
  4. d) Convene and preside over Laboratory meetings;
  5. b) Conduct the current management and activities of the Laboratory;
  6. c) Represent the Laboratory;
  7. e) Assist in the preparation of plans, activity reports and annual budgets;
  8. f) Delegate sectoral responsibilities to laboratory members when deemed necessary and convenient;
  9. g) To assist him, the Laboratory Coordinator may appoint a Secretary.

 

Article 12 (Unit Scientific Committee)

  1. The Unit’s Scientific Committee comprises all iA* PhD members.
  2. The Scientific Committee is chaired by the iA* Scientific Coordinator, who is responsible for convening and conducting the work per the Law.
  3. At the invitation of the Unit’s Scientific Coordinator, individuals whose contributions benefit the Unit may participate in meetings of the Unit’s scientific committee without the right to vote.
  4. The Unit’s Scientific Committee is responsible for:
  5. a) Consider and approve the annual Activity Plan and Report, as well as the yearly Budget project;
  6. b) Approve the admission of the members proposed by the Scientific Coordinator to the Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee;
  7. c) Approve the creation or extinction of centres within the Unit;
  8. d) Give an opinion on the creation of Laboratories.
  9. The iA* Scientific Committee meets at the request of the Scientific Coordinator. Supposing there is no quorum at the scheduled time, the Committee will meet 30 minutes after the time defined in the notice, with deliberative capacity, without prejudice to cases in which the Law and regulations determine the need for approval by a qualified majority.

 

Article 13 (Assembly)

  1. The Assembly comprises all members of iA* and is chaired by its Scientific Coordinator, who is responsible for convening and conducting the respective work.
  2. It is the responsibility of the Assembly to participate and collaborate in the discussion of iA* development strategies.
  3. It is the responsibility of the Assembly to approve the admission of honorary members.
  4. The Assembly meets when convened by the Scientific Coordinator. Supposing there is no quorum at the scheduled time, the Committee will meet 30 minutes after the deadline defined in the notice, with deliberative capacity, without prejudice to cases in which the Law and regulations determine the need for approval by a qualified majority.

 

Article 14 (Editorial Board)

  1. To pursue its editorial mission, iA* integrates an Editorial Board comprising members representing the unit’s different disciplinary fields.
  2. The Editorial Board’s responsibilities are:
  3. a) Prepare the Editorial Statute of iA*, to be approved by the Board after consulting the Scientific Committee;
  4. b) Prepare the respective Regulations to be approved by the Board;
  5. c) Cooperate with the Direction in implementing editorial guidelines;
  6. d) Elect the Editorial Coordinator, who is responsible for presiding over the Editorial Board and managing editorial activities;
  7. e) Provide an opinion on the corporate identity and art direction of the Unit;
  8. f) Assess and decide on the creation of collections and publication proposals.

 

Article 15 (Advisory Council)

  1. iA* has an Advisory Board of 6 to 10 members external to UBI, appointed from among personalities of recognised merit, following a proposal from the Board, approved by the Assembly. 
  2. The term of office of the members of the Advisory Board is two years, non-renewable. 
  3. The members of the Advisory Board are independent in carrying out their duties, irremovable and unpaid.
  4. The Advisory Board is responsible for:
  5. a) Issue an opinion on the multi-annual activity of the Research Unit;
  6. b) Issue an opinion on any matter that concerns it;
  7. d) Take a position on its initiative on any matter relating to the Unit.

 

Art.º 16.º (Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee)

By the provisions of the Multiannual Financing Regulation for R&D Units of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), iA* has a Permanent External Scientific Advisory Committee (CEPAC), made up of a minimum of 3 members, approved by the Scientific Committee, upon proposal from the Unit’s Scientific Coordinator, after consulting the Direction.

 

Article 17 (Term)

This Regulation comes into force after being approved by the iA* Scientific Committee by Article 29 of the UBI Faculties Regulation.

 

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Proposal unanimously approved by the Installation Committee of the Arts Research on 2023.03.21 (coordinated by Professor Francisco Paiva), by the Labcom Arts Group on 2023.03.22, by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities on 2023/ 03/29, by the FAL Faculty Council to 04/2023/18, by the UBI Senate on 2023/04/26 and by the UBI General Council of UBI on 2023/06/23.