We are proud to announce that the project “Towards the Automatic Identification of Exclusionary Argumentative Biases in Contemporary Western Art” has been awarded funding under the highly competitive Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme. With an exceptional score of 95.20%, well above the required threshold, the proposal ranked among the very top submissions out of more than 10,000 applications evaluated by the European Commission.
The Evaluation Summary Report highlights the project’s outstanding scientific excellence, ambitious scope, and strong interdisciplinary foundation. Reviewers commended the clarity and pertinence of the research objectives, emphasising their potential to make a significant contribution across multiple scientific domains, including cognitive science, machine learning, computer science, and critical discourse analysis. The project was particularly praised for going beyond the state of the art by introducing robust quantitative methodologies into a field traditionally dominated by qualitative approaches.
The proposed methodology was recognised as technically rigorous and innovative, combining neural probabilistic models, hybrid computational frameworks, and empirical validation strategies. Experts noted the careful and responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence, including explicit consideration of ethical implications, data security, and reliability, ensuring a sound and forward-looking research design. The project’s strong commitment to open science practices, including green open access publishing and adherence to FAIR principles, was also highlighted as exemplary.
The evaluation further underscored the high quality of supervision and training environment, supported by an experienced host institution with an excellent international track record. The planned non-academic secondment was identified as a major added value, enhancing opportunities for collaboration, networking, and real-world impact, particularly within the field of outsider art. The structured training programme and the emphasis on two-way knowledge transfer were praised as both comprehensive and well-aligned with the project’s innovation goals.
The researcher’s profile was described as excellent and exceptionally well-suited to the project, combining expertise in linguistics and computer science with a strong engagement in the art world. Their proven track record of high-quality publications, monographs, and international recognition further strengthens the project’s credibility and potential for success.
In terms of impact, the project was recognised for its highly convincing scientific, societal, and economic contributions. It introduces the innovative concept of Exclusionary Arguments, offering a novel analytical framework to detect and understand biases in artistic discourse. Beyond academia, the project is expected to foster a more inclusive and equitable contemporary art landscape, while also enhancing the visibility and marketability of underrepresented artists. The dissemination and communication strategy was praised as comprehensive and effective, with strong potential to engage both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Finally, the implementation plan was assessed as robust, coherent, and meticulously structured, with clearly defined work packages, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies. The availability of high-quality infrastructure, logistical support, and institutional integration further ensures the feasibility and successful delivery of the project.
This recognition not only reflects the project’s academic excellence but also its potential to generate meaningful and lasting impact across disciplines and society at large.