Research Assistant: What If Imagination Could Change the World? Turning Magic into Intelligence

Introduction to the topic:

Creativity is not a luxury, it is a necessity, both on a personal and global scale. It positions individuals as standout contributors to any innovative projects, acting as intentional catalysts for transformation and as responsive agents of change. The components that define a creative mindset are core competencies and rank the most sought-after skills in today’s world. These skills are vital across entrepreneurship, scientific discovery, artistic expression, leadership, and for addressing pressing global challenges like climate change, conflict resolution, and educational inequity.

By unleashing imagination, embracing bold questions, and fostering a sense of ‘world-wonder,’ we open pathways into uncharted territories. From these vantage points, we can ignite visionary ideas that tackle complexity and inspire transformative solutions. This journey, powered by curiosity and an openness to possibilities, aims to cultivate pioneers for the future—individuals who will lead the breakthroughs required for a thriving, high-level creative society, while also realizing humanity’s fullest potential. If we want a better future, we must first imagine it.

This research project is dedicated to designing a framework and training program focused on Cultivating a Creative Mindset. It aims to establish a solid foundation of insights into the skills, perspectives and approaches that are associated with this forward-thinking mindset and way of being.

Project details:

In this research project, in-depth literature reviews on ‘curiosity’ and ‘the art of questioning’ will establish a foundation for understanding and guiding research directions. Reflective analysis will uncover insights into developing a creative mindset, define key research questions, and compile a shared literature repository.

Research Assistants will engage in reflective discussions leading to the formulation of interview questions and surveys, as well as the identification of target groups. Pilot studies will test methodologies and inform larger-scale investigations.

The research project spans multiple years, with each year segmented into distinct research tasks distributed across semesters. This structured approach ensures that all RAs receive comprehensive exposure to the topic area and develop research skills tailored to each semester’s tasks

Selected relevant publications:

Mangnus, A. C., Oomen, J., Vervoort, J. M., & Hajer, M. A. (2021). Futures literacy and the diversity of the future. Futures, 132, 102793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102793
Immordino-Yang, M. H. (2016). Emotions, learning, and the brain: Exploring the educational implications of affective neuroscience (First edition). W.W. Norton & Company. Abstract here
Futures Literacy | UNESCO. (n.d.). https://www.unesco.org/en/futures-literacy

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.

To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.

If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Syllabus

Spring 2025

Go to syllabus

This is the most recent syllabus for this course

Faculty

Mette Frandsen

Faculty

BA in Photojournalism, Danish School of Media and Journalism. Fatamorgana, Danish School of Documentary and Art Photography. Teaches at workshops, lectures on projects, and works around the world. With DIS since 2015.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Additional research application required

Syllabus

Spring 2025

Faculty

Mette Frandsen

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?