Bringing New Perspectives
Delfina is known for her ability to connect research, education, and practice, and her interdisciplinary approach makes her an ideal fit for CARADT’s mission to explore sustainability through art, design, and technology. Her experience at the Royal College of Art
in London and her focus on lifelong learning will strengthen CARADT’s engagement with both local and international communities.
Wouter Meys, Manager at CARADT, emphasizes: “We are confident that Delfina will continue developing the research group into a dynamic and open space, creating strong connections with education, Centres of Applied Research, and the broader professional field. Her international network promises exciting new collaborations and opportunities.”
Vision for the Research Group
Delfina herself expresses her excitement about joining the team, stating: “As my start date approaches, I am eager to contribute to Caradt’s important work. I plan to explore how art and design can foster critical expressions rooted in ethics of care and interdependence with nature, continuing the impactful work initiated by Prof. Elvin Karana.” Delfina’s research will focus on how art and design can engage with ethical issues and environmental care, reinforcing CARADT’s goal of fostering sustainable futures.
Elvin Karana, who previously held the position, shares her excitement about Delfina’s appointment: “Delfina is a visionary academic who embodies compassion and kindness. Her appointment marks the beginning of an exciting era for collaborative projects between Caradt and the newly established Centre of Design Research for Regenerative Material Ecologies at TU Delft.”
Delfina also looks forward to working with students and collaborating with colleagues across Avans: “It is a privilege to join an institution so committed to these timely topics. I am excited to work alongside Professors Michel van Dartel and Sebastian Olma, as well as researchers from the research groups Situated Art and Design and Cultural and Creative Industries, to explore the role of art and design in shaping the future.”
Collaborative Research
Annemarie Piscaer, researcher at CARADT, highlights Delfina’s interdisciplinary strengths: “Her background in biology and ecological thinking will enrich our ongoing research on the More-than-Human movement. I look forward to rethinking our pedagogical framework together and implementing new perspectives within Avans.”
Dr. Fantini van Ditmar’s appointment also opens the door to new collaborations, as she brings a vast international network and a clear vision for future projects. Sebastian Olma and Michel van Dartel, Professors of Creative and Cultural Industries and Situated Art and Design, respectively, share their excitement: “Delfina’s unique combination of scientific knowledge and artistic creativity makes her an invaluable addition to our team. Her vision will enhance CARADT’s research portfolio, blending biology with artistic expression.”
Looking Ahead
With Delfina’s leadership, CARADT’s research in Biodesign and More-than-Human Perspectives will continue to explore and expand upon the value of nature, ethics of care, and interdependence. Her appointment is a significant step forward in Caradt’s mission to challenge the natural order of things and create meaningful, sustainable contributions to society.
‘How can art and design cultivate critical expressions rooted in ethics of care and relationality to influence ecological, social, and economic structures?’
Delfina Fantini van Ditmar, PhD, focuses on ecological design and reflective practices as Professor of Biodesign and More-than-Human Perspectives. With a background in biology and design research, she explores paradigm shifts and material ethics, advancing regenerative and more-than-human perspectives
The research group Biobased Art and Design capitalises on the role of artistic practice in unlocking the unique potentials of living organisms for everyday materials and communicating these to a broader public. In doing so, the group aims to instigate and accelerate our widespread understanding, further development and usage of such materials. The group’s research approach encourages tangible interactions with the living organisms, such as algae, fungi, plants and bacteria, to explore and understand their unique qualities and constraints through diverse technical and creative methods taking artists, designers and scientists as equal and active partners in the material creation.
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