NCCR Iconic Criticism (2005-2017)
NCCR Directors: Prof. Gottfried Böhm (2005–2013); Prof. Ralph Ubl (2014–2017)
Home institution: University of Basel
Research and major results of the NCCR
The digital revolution has brought forth a new, increasingly image-based society – albeit one that has only a limited understanding of the particularities, functions, power and effect of images. The NCCR "Iconic Criticism - Power and Importance of Images" gave images the attention they deserve. It brought together ten disciplines of the humanities and social sciences and studied images from areas as far apart as the arts, science, economics, urban planning, philosophy and the history of languages and literacy.
The primary goal of the NCCR Iconic Criticism (eikones) was to establish a new research paradigm. In fact, the major achievement of eikones was to establish image studies as a coherent field of scholarship with a firm theoretical foundation, reliable methods and a set of objects for study. The “iconic turn” and the awareness for the significance of images it inspired meant that such theoretical and methodological underpinnings were much needed in the study of images. The NCCR furthermore demonstrated that studying images is essential to many disciplines of the humanities and social sciences and has thereby corrected the often-exclusive emphasis given to textual materials in these disciplines.
Structural development – Perspectives for the research domain
A key insight that emerged from the project as whole is the extent to which a theory of the image and a study of their historical forms and usages are mutually dependent. What constitutes the power or meaning of the image, or its relationship to language, can only be understood when the image is studied as a material artefact that is imbedded in specific cultural practices and processes. In the three phases of its existence, eikones developed into a singular and effective institution in the field of "image criticism" and acquired an extraordinary reputation both nationally and internationally. The results of the NCCR are thus most immediately visible in the incredible output and range of publications and the placement of researchers in prestigious academic positions in Europe and the U.S.
The significant structural effects that the NCCR has had for the University of Basel can be seen in the continuation of eikones as the "Centre for the Theory and History of the Image" as well as in the creation of new professorships or the refilling of professorships in the eikones research domain.
Contact
NCCR Management
NCCR Director
Prof. Ralph Ubl
Eikones
NFS Bildkritik
Rheinsprung 11
4051 Basel
Phone +41 (0) 61 267 18 10
Em/8*ail ralph.ubl@unibas.chManagement / Coordination
Dr. Malika Maskarinec
Eikones
NFS Bildkritik
Rheinsprung 11
4051 Basel
Phone +41 (0) 61 267 18 03
Email malika.maskarinec@unibas.chFunding
The NCCR was awarded 19.8 million Swiss francs over a duration of 12 years. The table below shows that this amount represents about 42% of the NCCR’s total expenditures. The remaining funds came from the participating research groups, from the home institution University of Basel and from third parties (Schaulager).
Financing 2005 – 2017 (Swiss francs)
Funding source
2005-2009
2009-2013
2013-2017
Overall
SNSF grant
5,901,114
8,285,925
5,662,369
19,849,408
Funds from the University of Basel
3,543,597
4,477,200
4,471,308
12,492,105
Group funds of the project participants
4,337,978
4,360,054
2,962,824
11,660,857
External funds
894,667
1,073,134
1,714,607
3,682,408
Total
14,677,356
18,196,313
14,811,108
47,684,777
Evaluation / Review Panel
For each NCCR, the SNSF appoints a Review Panel composed of renowned experts whose task it is to evaluate scientific quality and the progress made in NCCR projects. The Review Panel of the NCCR Iconic Criticism consists of the following experts:
Contact person at the SNSF
Dr. Stefan Bachmann
NCCR Team
Swiss National Science Foundation
Wildhainweg 3
3001 Bern
Phone +41 (0) 31 308 23 49
Email stefan.bachmann@snf.chResearch structures
National Centres of Competence in Research leave their mark on the research landscape well beyond the SNSF funding period. They help to define key topics and sustainably change Swiss research structures. Thus NCCRs can lead to the creation of new professorships and courses of study as well as new infrastructures or platforms at the universities involved.
NCCRs operate as a network in which a large number of scientific partners are active. Working within these networks has borne fruit in the form of new research approaches and excellent scientific contributions.
Structures created by this NCCR until now:
Contributions to society and the economy
The National Centres of Competence in Research not only engage in cutting-edge research, they also play an important role in transferring knowledge and new technologies to the economy and to society at large. They lead to the formation of start-ups, and the new insights have the potential to awaken the interest of politicians, globally active companies and the public at large.
Communication and knowledge transfer of the NCCR Iconic Criticism
Promotion of academic careers and equal opportunities
The National Centres of Competence in Research consciously promote promising young researchers and are committed to equal opportunities for men and women in research.
Measures taken by the NCCR Iconic Criticism to promote young researchers and gender equality.