This combined open call invites applications for 4 fully funded residencies across the two European Union Horizon projects deCYPher and Bioindustry 4.0. Three artists will be selected to participate in the deCYPher project and one in the Bioindustry 4.0 project.
 

Core to the deCYPher and Bioindustry 4.0 projects is fostering the potential of artistic research and critical thinking towards influencing the practices, processes and developments of science and technology.

With this unique opportunity, we seek to foster genuine exchange between the project’s researchers (partners working in research institutes and businesses) and artists, who have the opportunity to learn from and with our partners but also bring their own expertise from working in the field of art and science.
                                 
The deCYPher project brings together artificial intelligence, machine learning techniques and synthetic biology to go beyond traditional extraction methods of flavonoids and terpenoids. These plant compounds are used for important products, such as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. As the current extraction is expensive and limited to just a few compounds, deCYPher’s objective is to develop a bio-based production alternative of plant secondary metabolites, which aims to ensure a regular supply in a more sustainable, economical, and efficient way. See https://www.decypher.bio/ for further details about deCYPher.

The Bioindustry 4.0 project focuses on developing smart and sustainable biotechnological production processes. It leverages advanced technologies such as AI-powered digital twins, sensor technologies, and federated learning to make bioprocess development faster, more cost-effective, and reliable. The project aims to push the boundaries of bioprocess design and operation, ultimately strengthening the bioindustry. See https://bioindustry4.hub.inrae.fr/resources/faq for further details about Bioindustry 4.0.

deCYPher and Bioindustry 4.0 artists in residence

Each artist is offered a 28-day-long fully funded research residency to be undertaken during 2025 and further support for the production of work towards a group exhibition in 2026.

The deCYPher artists in residence will be facilitated by Bioart Society in close collaboration with other deCYPher project partners that include Biofaction, Ghent University, Wageningen University & Research and ML6. The deCYPher residencies will take place in the facilities of the Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB) at Ghent University (Belgium), the department of Bioscience at Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), and ML6 (Belgium). Each selected artist can but does not have to visit all three locations.

The Bioindustry 4.0 artist in residence will be facilitated by Biofaction and the residency will take place in the University of Wageningen (Netherlands) at Prof. Vitor Martins dos Santos Institute for Biomanufacturing & Digital Twins.

In dialogue with Bioart Society, Biofaction and the hosting project partners, each artist will have the opportunity to formulate a residency structure that supports their own research and practice. As part of the application we ask for an initial outline for said structure, which can then be developed further with the successful applicants.

Artists selected for the residencies will receive

Fee (residency, exhibition and workshop participation): 7500€
Production of work up to 4000€
An additional budget for travel and accommodation is available.

 
Criteria

General

• This is an opportunity for professional artists with experience working within the field of art and science.
• We are looking for artists who are curious and constructive in their critical thinking to collaborate on stimulating deeper reflection about convergence of AI/ML and SynBio.
• Those selected for the residency should also be available to participate and present within a series of 2 workshop labs organised as part of the project.

Specific criteria deCYPher

• Some experience or prior knowledge working with Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) and/or synthetic biology is required and should be evidenced in the application through examples of previous work experience or art work production. It is not required that artists will come with experience of both AI/ML and synthetic biology as this residency is an opportunity to work at the emergent intersection of these.

Specific criteria Bioindustry 4.0

• Some experience or knowledge working with 1) digital tools such as digital twins as well as 2) biotechnology (including synthetic biology) is required and should be evidenced in the application through examples of previous work experience or art work production. It is not required that artists will come with experience of both 1) digital tools as well as 2) biotechnology as this residency is an opportunity to work at the emergent intersection of these.

Application Process

Deadline for applications is 23 October 2024 by 23:59 (EEST). To apply please fill the form at the bottom of this page.

Attach your Cover letter and CV and/or Portfolio as separate files in PDF format. In the cover letter, outline your motivation and a brief proposal of how you might approach the residency in terms of research interests and practical structure/timeline. Also state which residency you are applying for (deCYPher OR Bioindustry 4.0).

Interviews via Zoom will be held late November. Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by 11 November.

Selection committee will include: Yvonne Billimore (Bioart Society), Markus Schmidt (Biofaction), Marta De Menezes (deCYPher advisory board), Marjan De Mey (Ghent University), Pieter Coussement (ML6), Katja Cankar and Vitor Martins dos Santos (STICHTING WAGENINGEN RESEARCH).