Leonardo Graduate Abstracts is a comprehensive database of abstracts theses in the emerging intersection between art, science and technology. The aim of LABS is not to duplicate existing thesis databases but rather to give visibility to interdisciplinary work, which is often hard to retrieve from existing databases.

Eligibility

Recently received a terminal degree (MA, MFA and Ph.D.)

The thesis reflects the relationship of art, science and/or technology

Process

• Submit an abstract of up to 300 words that describe their thesis work by 30 June. 

• After a peer-review process every July, those abstracts that are determined to be within the scope of this database remain in the database so that they can be accessed by people throughout the world interested in the ideas of the next generation of people active in these areas.

• A selection of abstracts chosen by a 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

Often people engaged in art/science/technology fields are excellent at their work but find it difficult to write a concise narrative about it. The following are some suggestions:

• In the first paragraph describe the nature of the investigation or the questions being investigated.

• In the body of the abstract include:

• Description of the approach and processes for the investigation. Be sure to include

clear descriptions and definitions so that readers not familiar with these approaches

can comprehend the ideas and work being discussed.  

• Influences: can be philosophical, technological, artistic, scientific, etc.

• Clear description of the work(s) produced along the way; possibly what worked and

what didn’t work.

• Final project

• In the final paragraph describe the outcome of the investigation and possible future work

Clarity and simplicity are integral to the best-understood abstracts.

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

How to Use the Database for Your Research

The LABS database can be used as a research tool while people are doing their thesis work by using the keyword function to locate projects being done by other people. The database also includes the emails of the authors so these people can be contacted to begin a dialogue or to ask questions. 

Often people feel isolated after graduation. The database can be used by graduates wishing to create a community of people engaged in similar work. Again, by using the keyword function anyone can create a node of people from around the world who will enjoy and benefit from online conversations about ideas related to their practice. These forums can also be a platform for people to share their work with one another and ultimately, these nodes can manifest themselves in exhibitions, publications, symposia, etc. The database also includes the emails of thesis advisors and so they can be invited to join a node as well. The above are some suggestions for how to use the database after graduation. I’m sure you can imagine other possibilities as well.

SEARCH THE DATABASE

We are always looking for ways to make LABS more useful. Please share your suggestions with: Sheila Pinkel, spinkel4@gmail.com.