Complex and Adaptive Systems Across Robotics, Biology, Art and Design

ended

The aim of this Design Measures proposal is to develop an Erasmus Mundus joint masters degree in Complex and Adaptive Systems Across Robotics, Biology, Art and Design (ABRAx). The program will prepare students for working creatively and collaboratively across industry, society and technology with the necessary skills and preparedness to respond to major challenges concerning the environment, inclusion, health, and sustainability. Envisioning and developing innovative and sustainable solutions requires familiarity with methods and knowledge across disciplines and the ability to collaborate across sectors and disciplines, with knowledge that spans natural sciences, engineering, arts and humanities. The programme thus proposes the development of two tracks (MA and MSc) that combine knowledge expertise and cultivates interdisciplinary skills to address common goals through the development of highly-specialized, diversified profiles. The project is led by University of Trento (IT, UNITN), and involves Aalborg University (DK, AAU), Maholy-Nagy University for Art and Design (HU, MOME) and Gothenburg University (SE, GU). The proposed EMJM degree addresses a clear need from the perspective of sustainability, as there are very few HEIs that offer degree programs that balance the scientific, industrial, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainability. Furthermore, virtually none of these educational programs have a clear design focus, which is surprising given the importance of Design Thinking in industry and the relevance of bio-inspired design in the development of sustainable products and solutions.