Lusófona University in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network

Lusófona University is pleased to announce its participation in the approved proposal for the 2024 call of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA DN) Doctoral Networks, led by the University of Bourgogne. This prestigious European initiative promotes interdisciplinary doctoral training and international collaboration among leading research institutions.

The University will contribute to DECADOCS, a pioneering research and training programme aimed at reinterpreting the concept of decadence. Traditionally associated with decline, the term will be explored through new perspectives, focusing on sustainability, transnationalism, and sensoriality. DECADOCS seeks to deepen the understanding of contemporary artistic, media, entertainment, and sociocultural practices by examining the evolution of decadence in European societies since the 19th century.

DECADOCS is the first doctoral network dedicated to decadence studies, addressing underexplored fields such as architecture, fashion, food, tourism, and immersive media. The programme offers tailored intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, and other partners, reinforcing its scientific and social impact.

The network brings together researchers from 10 leading universities: University of Bourgogne, IUAV University, Goldsmiths University, University of Glasgow, University of Galway, Johannes Gutenberg University, Lusófona University, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Polytechnic University of Madrid, and University of Hertfordshire. With 17 associated partners, the project forms an international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral consortium.

The researchers: Professor Victor Flores and Professor Alexandra Cruchinho from CICANT will co-supervise two doctoral research projects. Professor Victor will oversee the project “Decadence and Haptic Virtual Reality: Testing Visual and Sonic Stereoscopic Compositions”, which examines how visual and acoustic haptics can enhance user performance and perception in Virtual Reality. Professor Alexandra’s project, “The ‘New Sublime’: A Reassessment of Fashion Decadence in the Age of the Ecological Crisis”, explores the role of fashion in the ecological crisis.

This Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network reinforces Lusófona University’s commitment to advancing research and international cooperation. All DECADOCS training events will be open to doctoral candidates from the consortium's universities.