Nieuwe Instituut's Research department explores collective forms of knowledge creation through its projects, activities, fellowships and other initiatives.
The Research collective works on post-disciplinary and multilingual knowledge practices that move beyond the traditional divide between theory-based academic research and practical, embodied forms of knowing. The collective's practices take research as a collaborative, public activity, aimed at creating a society that sustains all life. From this perspective, our exhibitions, public programmes, publications, and knowledge exchange activities are occasions for public investigation and experimentation.
In the context of the Nieuwe Instituut, the research collective asks: Can research be a 'testing ground’ for regenerative, anti-colonial, feminist, racially and ethnically inclusive, more-than-human, and intersectional spaces for collective world-building? The aim our of research projects is to produce knowledge that brings theory into practice in various contexts, through tool sheds, tool kits, and research labs.
Read more about the projects initiated by or in collaboration with the Research team here.
Research Fellowship 2023
Nieuwe Instituut’s research team proposes Tool Sheds as the focus for this year’s Call for Fellows. This iteration focuses on researching and applying tools, instruments, formats and methods that would help to foster a society that supports all life. Researchers “inhabit” the space of the “Tool Sheds” to test and share tools and applied methodologies, metaphorical or otherwise.
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Zoöp
Zoöp is the title of an organisational model for cooperation between human and nonhuman life that safeguards the interests of all zoë (Greek for 'life'). The zoöp model makes the interests of nonhuman life part of organisational decision making.
➝ Read more about ZoöpCollecting Otherwise
Drawing on the architecture collection under the Nieuwe Instituut’s management, Collecting Otherwise explores the possibilities for an alternative architectural, heritage and archival practice, one that reflects a society that is constantly changing.
➝ Read more about Collecting Otherwise

Modernisms along the Indian Ocean
Modernisms along the Indian Ocean is a research project that traces how the Indian Ocean connects the intertwined regions of Europe, Africa and Asia through the port cities that line its coastline. These port cities are hubs of exchange, cultural heritage and community, demonstrating the great geopolitical influence of the Indian Ocean in today’s complex world.
➝ Read more about Modernisms along the Indian Ocean