To transform HEIs into inclusive and creative environments that host transdisciplinary collaborations between artists, researchers and citizens. By doing so, we contribute to the Third Mission of universities: community engagement and social impact.
Rock your Research (RYR) believes that universities can fulfil their Third Mission (contribute meaningfully to society beyond the realms of education and research) by playing an active role as a transdisciplinary knowledge ecosystem and transform themselves into CULTURAL institutions. Meaningful change requires more than innovation within disciplinary silos. It requires crossing boundaries between science and art, experts and citizens. Recognizing the untapped potential of cultural and artistic methods, our consortium came together with a bold mission: to Rock Your Research.
Inspired by the European Commission’s 2022 report “Fostering knowledge valorisation through the arts and cultural institutions”, RYR set out to rethink how we create and share knowledge, by designing physical spaces and collaborative strategies that empower artists, researchers, and citizens to shape knowledge together.
We believe the arts are not just communicators of research, but peers in the co-creation of knowledge. That’s why RYR activates transdisciplinary collaborations that are curiosity-led, inclusive, and rooted in real-world relevance. From Rock it Cafés to Maps, Labs, and Exhibitions, we transform university spaces into platforms of experimentation, conversation, and creativity.
Foster mutual understanding among artists, researchers, and citizens.
Bridge disciplinary gaps by creating shared, safe spaces for collaboration.
Redefine universities as cultural institutions, not just centres of science and technology.
Build replicable methodologies that integrate art into universities long-term strategies for societal impact.
Linnaeus University is a creative and international knowledge environment with more than 40,000 students and 2,200 employees. Its leading research is driven by Linnaeus University Centres, covering fields from ecology and bioscience to integration, postcolonialism, and big data.
The university has a rich tradition of blending art and science in innovative ways. It hosts its own artist-in-residence program, where artists from various disciplines collaborate with researchers and research groups, fostering creativity and new perspectives. As the lead partner of the project, Linnaeus University brings extensive experience in art and science initiatives. The RYR project is strongly connected to Open Science at the university, with one of the project leaders also serving as a senior advisor within RYR.
General Editor And Coordinator at the Cultural University
Operational Manager at the Cultural University
Public & Science Sweden (Vetenskap & Allmänhet, V&A) is a non-profit membership organisation that promotes dialogue and openness between researchers and the public. Its members include around 100 organisations, authorities, universities, companies, and associations from across Swedish society. Public & Science serves as a national hub for science communication, citizen science, public engagement, and open science, with extensive experience in co-creation, dialogue, and participatory processes.
In Rock Your Research, V&A is responsible for mapping existing art-science initiatives, developing engagement methodologies for the Rock It Cafés, and supporting Linnaeus University in Sweden-based activities.
Project & Communications Manager
Project Manager & Press Officer
The University of Málaga (UMA) is a leading Spanish institution with over 35,700 students, 2,500 faculty, and a strong international presence. UMA supports 309 research groups and 575 projects across disciplines, with active global partnerships and a commitment to innovation. UMA aligns closely with Rock Your Research’s mission through its Vice-Rectorate for Research and Scientific Dissemination, which promotes science communication and public engagement. The university also integrates art as a tool for knowledge exchange, offering spaces like the Rectorate’s exhibition hall, the Faculty of Arts’ galleries, and the Cultural Container. Lastly, Link by UMA, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub, supports knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of transversal competencies, making UMA a key partner in the Rock Your Research project.
Role Associate Professor of Arts
Professor of Entrepreneurship
Associate Professor of Arts
Postdoctoral Researcher
The University of Granada (UGR) is a leading public comprehensive research university in Spain, offering a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across all disciplinary fields. UGR is committed to excellence in education, research, and the transfer of scientific, technical, and artistic knowledge to society. MediaLab UGR – Research Laboratory for Digital Culture and Society – is the unit responsible for implementing this project at UGR. As a dynamic citizen laboratory, MediaLab UGR specializes in innovation and participation methodologies, digital culture, open science, and social innovation, generating knowledge through collaboration with diverse social groups. Its interdisciplinary team brings expertise in public engagement, experimentation, and methodologies for social participation, which are central to the aims of the project. UGR, via MediaLab UGR, will lead local project activities, including Rock It Cafés, resource mapping, and coordination of Rock It Labs. It will also support documentation, dissemination, and outreach, drawing on its expertise in social innovation and public engagement.
Member of Medialab UGR – Social Impact Coordinator
Member of Medialab UGR – Citizen Science Coordinator
Vice-Rector for Social Innovation, Employability and Entrepreneurship
ACEEU is the world’s only quality assurance body dedicated exclusively to recognising engagement and entrepreneurship in higher education. Through our accreditation services, we help universities embrace the Third Mission and boost their societal relevance and impact.
In the Rock Your Research project, ACEEU brings its unique expertise in community engagement to help shape a strategic and culturally grounded approach to connecting universities with society.
As the project’s quality lead within Rock Your Research, we ensure that all outcomes are practical, scalable, and transferable—ready to inspire other universities looking to bridge the gap between research, the arts, and the public.
Additionally, supports the project’s long-term visibility, designing communication strategies that extend the project’s reach beyond its funding period.
Community & Creative Engagement Specialist
CEO
The journey of Rock Your Research began not with answers, but with questions. In our first partner meeting, hosted by the University of Linnaeus, all the partners across Europe came together to explore what it truly means to transform knowledge into societal value, while centring the needs of our key target groups.
Too often undervalued in research contexts, despite their potential as co-creators of knowledge.
Frequently lack the motivation, tools, or support to engage meaningfully with communities.
Faces persistent barriers in accessing and contributing to scientific knowledge.
Still focus predominantly on economic returns, overlooking cultural and societal impact.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
