Research is the lifeblood of École Ivy Kingsman d’Économie et de Musique. It underpins our academic programmes, drives innovation, and allows us to contribute meaningfully to societal, cultural, and economic advancement. Our institution fosters a dynamic research environment where curiosity is celebrated, interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, and rigorous inquiry leads to impactful discoveries. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in our core areas of economics, music, technology, and design, creating a vibrant ecosystem for both established scholars and emerging researchers.
Our Interdisciplinary Research Pillars
Our research activities are broadly organised around key interdisciplinary pillars that reflect our unique institutional strengths and address contemporary global challenges. These pillars serve as focal points for collaboration, funding, and postgraduate training:
- Computational Social Science and Economic Dynamics: This pillar focuses on the application of advanced computational methods, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to understand complex economic and social systems. Researchers explore areas such as algorithmic economics, financial modelling, network analysis of social phenomena, sustainable development metrics, and the societal impact of technological change. Our work aims to provide novel insights into market behaviours, policy effectiveness, and strategies for equitable growth, often drawing upon large-scale datasets and sophisticated simulation techniques. The ambition is to develop predictive models and decision-support tools that can address pressing economic challenges with greater precision and foresight.
- Performance Science, Expressive Technologies, and Sonic Arts: Bridging the art of music with scientific inquiry and technological innovation, this pillar investigates the multifaceted aspects of music performance, perception, and creation. Research encompasses biomechanics of performance, cognitive neuroscience of music, development of new musical interfaces and instruments, interactive sound installations, and the application of AI in composition and improvisation. We explore how technology can augment artistic expression, preserve cultural heritage in sound, and create new forms of auditory experience. This research often involves practice-based methodologies, where artistic creation itself is a core component of the investigative process, alongside empirical studies in acoustically controlled environments.
- Sustainable Design, Architectural Acoustics, and Urban Futures: This pillar addresses the critical need for sustainable and human-centred design in the built environment, with a special emphasis on the role of sound and acoustics. Researchers explore innovative materials for construction, energy-efficient building design, principles of circular economy in architecture, urban soundscape design, noise pollution mitigation, and the acoustic properties of performance and public spaces. This work integrates design thinking with engineering principles and economic viability, aiming to create healthier, more resilient, and aesthetically pleasing environments for communities. It seeks to influence urban planning and policy to foster cities that are both ecologically sound and experientially rich.
- Digital Humanities and Algorithmic Creativity: At the confluence of humanities, arts, and computational science, this pillar examines how digital tools and algorithmic processes are transforming creative practices and cultural understanding. Research topics include the use of AI in generating visual art and music, the ethics of algorithmic art, new media theory, digital archiving of cultural heritage, interactive storytelling, and the impact of digital platforms on artistic dissemination and reception. We foster critical engagement with technology, exploring both its potential to democratise creativity and the challenges it poses to traditional notions of authorship and artistic value.
A Thriving Postgraduate Research Community
Our postgraduate students (MSc, MMus, MEng, MA, and doctoral candidates) are integral to our research culture. We provide a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for them to develop as independent researchers and creative practitioners. This includes structured research training programmes, regular research seminars and workshops, access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and close supervision from leading faculty members. We encourage our postgraduate researchers to present their work at national and international conferences and to publish in high-impact journals and other appropriate venues. The community is vibrant, collaborative, and international, fostering peer learning and networking opportunities.
Faculty at the Forefront of Discovery
The faculty at École Ivy Kingsman are distinguished scholars, artists, and innovators actively engaged in pioneering research and creative practice that garners international recognition. Their work is regularly published in leading academic journals, presented at prestigious international conferences, exhibited in renowned galleries, and performed on global stages. Many of our faculty members lead externally funded research projects, collaborate with industry partners, and advise governmental and cultural organisations. This direct engagement with the frontiers of knowledge and practice ensures that our teaching is informed by the latest advancements and that our students benefit from exposure to world-class research as it unfolds.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration
We strongly believe that groundbreaking discoveries often emerge from the synergy between different disciplines. École Ivy Kingsman actively promotes interdisciplinary research initiatives, both internally across our departments and externally with other academic institutions, industry partners, and cultural organisations. We host regular symposia, workshops, and collaborative projects designed to bring together researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to tackle complex problems and explore new creative avenues. This collaborative ethos not only enriches our research output but also prepares our students to work effectively in increasingly interdisciplinary professional environments.