Leonardo Graduate Abstracts (LGA) is an evolving international and interdisciplinary peer-review database of dissertation and thesis abstracts (PhD, MFA, and Master’s) that deal with topics at the intersections of art, science, and technology. The database is intended to support international dialogue as well as to enhance communities and networks in these fields. The purpose of LGA is not to duplicate existing abstract databases but rather to give visibility to interdisciplinary practices and research, which is often difficult to retrieve from existing sources.

Eligibility

• Completed a MA, MFA, and/or PhD.
• The thesis or dissertation reflects the relationship of art to science and/or technology.

Process

• Submit an abstract from 200 to 500 words that describes your thesis or dissertation by 30 June. 

• After a peer-review process in July,  abstracts that are determined to be within the scope of LGA are made accessible in the database so that they can be viewed by anyone interested in art, science, and technology.

• A selection of abstracts chosen by the peer review panel is published annually in the Leonardo journal and on the Leonardo/ISAST website. Authors of abstracts most highly ranked by the panel are also invited to submit an article for publication consideration in Leonardo. 

Tips for Submitting Your Abstract

• In the first paragraph clearly describe your project, your topic, and/or research question(s). 

• State what is innovative or original about your work: what is the contribution to your field(s)?

• Clarify your thesis or dissertation’s relationship to art and technology and/or science.

• Reference related aesthetic or research contexts or frameworks for your thesis or dissertation: This could be aesthetic, theoretical, cultural, scientific, and/or technical, to name some key areas.

• Define terms and any aspects that might need clarification for a diverse readership.

• Summarize your final work(s) or outcome(s) of your research.

• Provide an accessible link to your thesis or dissertation.

• Your abstract should be from 200 to 500 words.

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

Suggestions for Using the Database for Your Research

The LGA database can be used as a research tool while graduate students are doing their thesis or dissertation work by using the keyword function to locate projects being done by other artists and researchers. The database also includes the emails of the authors so they can be contacted to begin a dialogue, collaborate, or ask questions. 

The LGA database can be also used by graduates wishing to engage with artists and scholars dealing with similar creative practices, research, and interests and this can lead to the development of artistic and intellectual communities. The database includes the emails of advisors, so they can be included in these endeavors. 

The database is intended to facilitate international dialogues and can provide the foundation for forums or platforms for people to share their ideas and work with one another. These connections can manifest in the production of exhibitions, publications, symposia, etc. 

These are just some suggestions for how to use the LGA database.