This presentation explores the intersection of interdisciplinary research, digital inclusion, and arts-based educational practices, with a focus on their societal impact. Anchored in the “Arts & Edges” axis, it argues that integrating community needs into research processes is essential for promoting meaningful social benefits and sustainable innovation. A key objective is the development of robust criteria and indicators for evaluating the social impact of interdisciplinary and artistic research, particularly in the field of education.In the context of ongoing digital inequalities, research highlights that disparities extend beyond access to include differences in quality, autonomy, and depth of digital engagement. These second-level digital divides call for pedagogical strategies that are inclusive, culturally relevant, and human-centred. The European Commission’s DigCompEdu framework supports this shift by promoting reflective, learner-driven, and collaborative digital practices in teacher education. Arts-based pedagogies have proven to be powerful tools for developing critical thinking, emotional resilience, and social cohesion. When integrated into interdisciplinary and community-oriented initiatives, the arts can address digital inequities, foster innovation, and enhance the dissemination of research knowledge. This presentation proposes a conceptual model where artistic inquiry, inclusive learning environments, and community knowledge converge to reshape how universities produce and communicate socially relevant research. We also explore the role of digital tools—particularly visual and immersive media—in increasing the accessibility and visibility of research outcomes. Through critical reflection and case examples, we advocate for an inclusive and ethically responsive vision of innovation rooted in creativity, participation, and social justice.

This presentation focuses on the critical contribution of artistic practices, such as music, physical movement and expression, art history, musical performance, Didactics in Conservatories and Music Schools, and the study of musical performance audiences, in promoting social innovation and inclusive change. Under the lens of the "Arts & Edges" axis, we explore how artistic methodologies can transcend conventional boundaries and serve as powerful catalysts for addressing complex social challenges and "wicked problems". We examine the role of artistic methods in promoting social justice and inclusivity, highlighting how music, dance, body-based practices and art can empower marginalised groups and create spaces for dialogue and solidarity, as well as foster creativity, adaptability, resilience, self-awareness, self-control and empathy. In particular, we focus on the ability of artistic interventions to contribute to the resolution of "wicked problems", such as social inequality, environmental crisis, and cultural alienation, proposing innovative approaches that combine artistic creation with social research and practical application. Furthermore, we explore the potential for collaboration between artists, researchers, and educators, highlighting how synergy between different scientific and artistic fields can lead to the development of innovative solutions for pressing social issues. Through the presentation of specific examples of artistic interventions and research programmes, this presentation aims to highlight the practical value of artistic research in creating meaningful social impact and contributing to redefining the role of art in shaping a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Arts education is a fundamental element of general education, contributing uniquely to the development of knowledge, skills, and personal expression. Increasingly recognized within international frameworks (UNESCO, 2024; Bordeaux, 2024), its role extends beyond enrichment to fostering deeper student engagement with learning itself. As a compulsory subject, arts education provides an alternative, often transformative, pathway to reconnect learners—particularly those at risk of disengagement—with the educational process. Building on Kerlan’s (2007) perspective, this presentation explores how artistic practices, through indirect and non-linear methods, can restore meaning in schooling. The focus is on students with academic difficulties, including allophone learners (non-native speakers), examining how participation in arts-based activities may rekindle motivation, support reintegration into learning communities, and promote sustained engagement.

The study is grounded in classroom observation and analysis of student artistic practice, contributing to a theoretical framework that links aesthetic experience with educational re-engagement. The analysis unfolds across three interconnected axes:

Knowledge Transmission: Arts education supports access to artistic, scientific, and linguistic knowledge through multimodal learning. Representation as Agency: Artistic expression functions as a tool for exploration and communication, empowering students to develop self-awareness and a sense of agency. A Catalyst for Self-Confidence: Artistic engagement requires no prior expertise, creating inclusive opportunities for all learners to succeed and build resilience. By examining these dimensions, the presentation proposes that aesthetic experience can serve as a universal lever for educational motivation, inclusion, and personal transformation.

The presentation titled "Ethics in Action: Tackling the Challenges of Implementing Social Innovations" addresses the multifaceted ethical challenges that arise in the implementation of social innovations. It is divided into three key segments, each exploring different dimensions of how ethical considerations intersect with social innovation efforts. The first segment examines how research practices can effectively integrate community needs by evaluating interdisciplinary impacts and translating knowledge into practical solutions. A particular emphasis is placed on the role of digital media as a tool for fostering ethical engagement and ensuring that innovation is responsive to community priorities. In the second segment, the transformative power of artistic practices is explored, highlighting how art can serve as a catalyst for social innovation. It emphasizes the role of artists in promoting inclusivity and addressing complex social challenges, questioning how creative processes can contribute to innovative solutions. This segment also explores the potential for collaboration between artists and researchers in co-developing ethical, community-centered approaches to social change. The final segment focuses on the practicalities of designing and implementing successful social innovation programs. It examines key elements such as leveraging interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring sustainability, and disseminating impactful solutions that are both ethically sound and scalable. By exploring these interconnected themes, the presentation aims to offer practical insights into how social innovations can be implemented responsibly and effectively while addressing the ethical challenges they present.