Abstract:

The doctoral program in Creativity, Social Innovation, and Sustainability at the CREA Campus of the University of Vigo is at the forefront of fostering academic interdisciplinarity. At its core, the program emphasizes the importance of aligning doctoral projects with two distinct research lines from different fields or disciplines. These projects are guided by at least two experts who bring their specialized knowledge to enrich the doctoral journey.

An essential aspect of the program involves encouraging doctoral candidates to venture into new areas of study, even those beyond their prior experience, thereby fostering a dual experimental approach to research. It is considered that this approach not only broadens the scope of investigation but also stimulates innovative and creative thinking.

The program serves as a dynamic center for intellectual exchange and collaboration with the support of the School of Forestry Engineering and the other centers on the Pontevedra campus such as the faculties of Fine Arts; Education and Sports Sciences; Physiotherapy; Social Sciences, Communication and Design; Direction and Public Management. Teachers and students from diverse backgrounds converge on the active campus, working collectively to propose innovative solutions and address the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

One of the program theses explores of the intersection between art and science, a hybrid realm that demonstrated rich pedagogical implications to communicate critical situations. By integrating methodologies, languages, tools, and processes from both disciplines, the program seeks to materialize complex technical and scientific concepts in a more accessible and conceptual manner, in this type of thesis. This interdisciplinary approach not only fosters innovative solutions but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between environmental and social issues, reducing the distance between culture and nature. This thesis exemplifies this interdisciplinary approach by focusing on the methodological hybridization of chemical and forestry engineering with fine arts. This specific combination focused on the examination of the challenges surrounding the management of invasive plant species waste and its reutilization within the creative industry and art paradigm. Through laboratory experimentation and artistic exploration, the thesis sheds light on both the material implications of waste management practices and the inherent artistic potential present in scientific processes.

Furthermore, this specific case study underscores the broader significance of adopting a transdisciplinary perspective in addressing pressing global issues such as anthropic implications on climate change. By embracing diverse perspectives and methodologies, the program allows to envision and articulate tangible pathways toward sustainable and interconnected futures.

Keywords:

Interdisciplinary education, development of skills, activities on-line, art and technology.