Mapping the Euclid eco-system, a practice-based research for a sensitive art & science understanding of space astrophysics

The thesis project aims to characterise the challenges and prospects of a space astrophysics mission through an artistic perspective, in order to shed light on the ground work, the infrastructural means and the day-to-day scientific research and engineering necessary to design, build and operate a scientific satellite. From a situated point of view at the IAS and its involvement in the Euclid mission, and combining methodologies of inquiry, sociological field study and artistic-documentary practices, the project starts from a situated perspective and in an outward rhizomatic path following the various parties involved in the Euclid mission’s success. The current revolution of cosmology sciences and next generation observational experiments call for a sensitive and comprehensive approach, enlightening the cosmology collective work as a shared cognition process in the sociology of science of Bruno Latour. To express how contemporary societies organise in a collective intelligence and symbiotic with technologies to push our understanding of the universe forward. The research work goes both ways, directed at all personals of the space astrophysics communities while also targeting a non scientific audience and the general public.

Structure of the Project :

A- Local scale, euclid at the IAS

1 conduct interviews with researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative staff

2 form a documentary data-set bringing together tales of individual euclid experiences

3 construct an inventory of techniques, gestures, procedures, and expertise/know-how carried-out at IAS

4 produce a tool, on or off line, mediating the know-how inventory

B- Institution scale, euclid as a CNES-ESA mission

1 Identify and map all those involved in euclid mission for the French contribution

2 conduct interviews and documentary research

3 construct a visual representation of the French space astrophysics eco-system

C- Global scale, euclid and its ramifications around the globe

- identify and map the operating, observing and storing infrastructures running for Euclid mission during its operational phase at global scale

1 Form an overall map of the manifestations of euclidienne mission on the earth ground, showing the interdependency of know-how, technology, infrastructures and institutions in the building of knowledge of the universe.

2 produce a writing, play, film or any art-form expressing the science and art collaboration led during the research project, and directed towards scientists and general public

Timeline :

S2 2026 : set-up theoretical framework for art-based research and art and science collaboration ; conduct field study at IAS.

S1 2027 : develop, construct and mediate the know-how inventory ; know-how inventory publication on practice-based research and science communication tool.

S2 2027 : finalize theoretical framework for sociology of science, epistemology and ontological cosmology ; possible field trip for interviewing CNES stakeholders in euclidienne mission around France ; making of euclidienne infrastructures.

S1 2028 : publication of visual representation of Euclid eco-system along with practice-based research paper. Writing of play or film.

S2 2028 : production of art-form.

S1 2029 : thesis writing and art-form diffusion.

=================

For more Information about the topics and the co-financial partner (found by the lab !); contact Directeur de thèse - Herve.Dole@universite-paris-saclay.fr

Then, prepare a resume, a recent transcript and a reference letter from your M2 supervisor/ engineering school director and you will be ready to apply online  before March 13th, 2026 Midnight Paris time !