The Vulnerabilities and Capabilities Teaching and Research Chair (VULCA) is launching an ambitious and hopeful call for projects on the theme of “Living with a genetic disease”. This program, the fruit of an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration between the Imagine Institute, the École des Arts Décoratifs de Paris and the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), invites researchers, designers, healthcare professionals and patients to work together on innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of people with genetic diseases.

📅 Letter of intent deadline: November 30, 2024

A program at the crossroads of design, science and the humanities

The VULCA Chair is based on strong values of empowerment and encapacitation, and aims to transform care practices by placing patients’ needs at the heart of the approach. The call for projects encourages innovative approaches in four main areas:

– Innovative methodologies: exploring new tools to meet patient needs.
– Technologies and design: developing devices that combine technology and creativity.
– Practical experimentation: carry out projects in direct collaboration with patients and their families.
– Knowledge dissemination: sharing knowledge in various fields such as health, education and autonomy.

Funding and selection criteria

Successful projects will receive funding of between €15,000 and €80,000 over a maximum period of 24 months.
To be eligible, each project must combine :

– At least two teams from the three partner institutions.
– The participation of one or more patients or patient associations.

The selection will take place in two phases:

1. Submission of letters of intent: evaluated by an internal scientific committee.
2. Final selection: shortlisted projects will be submitted to an external jury.

Letters of intent must be sent in PDF format to callapplication@institutimagine.org by November 30, 2024.

Why participate?

This call for projects represents a unique opportunity to take part in a collaborative initiative that redefines the link between design, science and the humanities in the service of healthcare. Whether you’re a researcher, designer or committed patient, your expertise and vision can contribute to concrete advances for people living with genetic diseases.

For further information or to download the necessary documents (eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, timetable), please contact Judith Halewa, VULCA Chair project manager, at judith.halewa@institutimagine.org.

Photo: Béryl