Structure and Governing Bodies
CICANT distinguishes itself through solid theoretical work and rigorous applied research at the cross-section of media, society, literacies, arts, culture and technologies. Critical to our research mission is knowledge-creation activities that are oriented towards expanded research on two main subject areas - Research and Learning Communities (ReLeCos).
The research group on Media, Society and Literacies (MSL) focuses on advancing the state of the art in Communication Sciences with theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions. The group has a proven research record on audience and reception studies, with emphasis on children/youth digital culture and activism. The MSL has strong connections both with the MA program on Media and Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship, and with two PhD programmes (Communication and Activisms and Communication Studies).
The research group on Media Arts, Creative Industries and Technologies (MACIT) is focused on the socio-cultural and artistic uses of media technologies (photographic, cinematographic and sonic) at the intersection with the creative industries, both from a historical and contemporary perspective. The group has a robust research in the field and fosters a media practice-based artistic research in areas such as cultural heritage and digital humanities, immersive media, sound studies, as well as game-based learning and software development.
Although the integration in both ReLeCos is possible, all researchers agree to adopt only one when it suits them. This will intensify and better scope their work at the Centre. At the moment this is the number of researchers in each:
Complementary, CICANT also integrates 3 Labs:
- MovLab – Laboratory of Technologies for Interactions and Interfaces
- Early Visual Media Lab
- MeLCi Lab - Media Literacy and Civic Cultures Lab
Each of these laboratories is responsible for organising initiatives within the framework of the efforts that are developed internally, always with the premise of involving PhD students and, whenever possible, Master's students.
As for Governing Bodies, CICANT is rooted in the following governance structures:
Scientific Committee
CICANT's Scientific Committee is formed by all integrated researchers and is directed by a board composed of a president and a secretary.
The President is elected by direct ballot at the time of the general elections for the bodies of CICANT. The Secretary of this body is elected at the first ordinary meeting by the members of the Scientific Committee.
This body is responsible for appreciating and deliberating on the accession of new researchers, plans and annual activities, issuing an opinion on activity reports, as well as issuing other subjects that may be requested by the other bodies.
For the triennium 2022-2025 were elected to the Board of the Scientific Committee:
Board of Director’s
The Board is composed of three integrated researchers of CICANT, elected by their peers and ratified by the Scientific Committee.
This body is responsible for planning, monitoring, stimulating and day-to-day management of the research activities of the Centre, as well as ensuring compliance with the contractual, financial and legal obligations associated with CICANT.
For the triennium, 2022-2025 were elected to the Board: