As a PhD fellow, you will contribute to the research project: "Curating to Activate on the Museum Stage," with the aim of obtaining a PhD in Educational Sciences. The doctoral research will be embedded in a newly established research line on the evolving social and educational role of (science) museums:

“This study explores the shift from the museum's role as an (educational) institution that mediates knowledge to one that facilitates meaning-making. The focus is particularly on science museums, where objects have traditionally been presented within a framework of knowledge creation through scientific processes. It asks: how can a science museum become a place of active contemplation without compromising its mission to promote critical citizenship and emancipate visitors through scientific literacy? How can that shift redefine the mission of the institution? What are the implications of such a framing for multiperspectivism and for engaging with diverse publics?

Curating in this study is approached as a performance, focusing on the transformation of the object from a passive knowledge carrier into an "actant"—an active agent that stimulates thought in the visitor—and the museum as a dynamic stage that sparks intellectual engagement.

Qualifications 

• You hold a Master's degree in Educational Sciences, Psychology, Art Sciences, Communication Sciences, or an equivalent qualification. You are ambitious to pursue a PhD.
• You can work independently as well as in a team. You are willing to embed your research in an international context.
• You are prepared to work in an interdisciplinary research environment. You have good writing and speaking skills in English.

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter to Kris.Rutten@UGent.be.

You are required to submit the following documents: your CV and motivation letter (combined into 1 PDF file of max. 10 MB) and a copy of the required diploma (if already in your possession).