Purpose and Strategy for NOCKS

NOCKS focuses on how art and cultural experiences/activities can be used to improve public health. We aim to:

• Strengthen research and generate new knowledge about how culture can promote health.
• Enhance quality and practical implementation by fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and offering relevant professional development courses.
• Maximize societal benefits by emphasizing public health and actively engaging in political discussions and debates.

Network and Partners

NOCKS is a collaboration between Aalborg University, Aalborg University Hospital, the North Denmark Region, and Aalborg Municipality. This partnership aims to further develop the use of cultural products and experiences to promote public health.

The collaboration functions as a knowledge network among partners, while the knowledge center is hosted by Aalborg University, which has primary responsibility for running the center and organizing network meetings. NOCKS is specifically focused on advancing research and knowledge about how culture can complement health, implementing this knowledge in practice, and strengthening an integrated healthcare system and a health-promoting society.

The main goal is to improve and ensure the quality of culture-based health projects through evidence-based documentation, user-centered and discipline-specific knowledge, professional development, interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, and by adopting a socio-economic and political perspective.

Focus Areas
NOCKS has three focus areas:

1. Strengthening Research and Knowledge Generation
   Establishing, supporting, and developing research projects that generate new knowledge, including both effectiveness studies and qualitative studies on citizen and patient experiences.
   Providing guidance on socio-economic outcomes where relevant.
   Collaborating on joint projects when possible and fostering cross-sector investigations and projects.
2. Enhancing Quality and Practical Implementation
   Making knowledge publicly accessible through continuous dissemination.
   Strengthening collaboration on culture and health projects across sectors.
   Partnering with cultural and healthcare institutions to build on shared experiences.
   Offering relevant professional development courses for various professional groups, including educators, physicians, cultural practitioners, public employees, etc.
   Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange where relevant.
3. Maximizing Societal Benefits
   Focusing on the health of citizens/patients wherever possible.
   Emphasizing health despite illness wherever possible.
   Actively participating in political discussions and debates where relevant.
   Developing thematic days and conferences for researchers and practitioners to disseminate knowledge and foster cross-sector debate, contingent on sufficient financial resources

External Collaboration

A holistic understanding of human health is an emerging interdisciplinary field in Denmark, and AAU aims to support its development. It is highly relevant to gather and generate knowledge, and at Arts, Health, and Humanities (NOCKS), we are eager to contribute to this shared mission in our society for the benefit of all citizens. We are therefore very open to collaborations of any kind that may be relevant and necessary. This could include knowledge sharing and dissemination, brief Q&A meetings, upskilling employees for joint projects, and, of course, research projects in various forms. Get in touch, and let’s explore how we can collaborate effectively.

Internal Collaboration

Many research groups and programs at Aalborg University focus on a holistic understanding of human health, not only at the Department of Communication and Psychology but also across other faculties. In recent years, several research groups have expressed interest in interdisciplinary work on this topic, particularly aiming to integrate this understanding into the Danish healthcare system in a meaningful and sustainable way.

NOCKS seeks to strengthen these initiatives by creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and dissemination. Specifically, this is achieved through organizing interdisciplinary-focused network meetings, providing dissemination opportunities, and promoting and funding so-called Bridging Projects.

If you are interested in joining the internal network and wish to be invited to network meetings or learn more about dissemination and funding opportunities, please get in touch.

Project Facilitation – Art and Health

The Project Facilitation – Art and Health module explores the practical and theoretical connections between art/culture and health. Its interdisciplinary focus bridges health disciplines—particularly health promotion, rehabilitation, and well-being—with cultural and artistic activities.

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Music, Psychology, and Health

Music can affect individuals both physically and mentally, playing a significant role in shaping identity. By consciously using music, we can foster communication and community, even among and between individuals who are vulnerable or have special needs. This educational program in music therapy is aimed at professionals with a background in healthcare, pedagogy, or the arts.

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Introduction to Animal-Assisted Rehabilitation, Pedagogy, and Therapy

Many people are fond of animals or find them fascinating, and in Denmark, it is becoming increasingly common to involve animals in efforts to promote health, learning, or well-being. This module provides an overview of the field, the latest research, and key considerations for incorporating animals into health-promoting initiatives aimed at individuals with disabilities.

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Introduction to Psychological Rehabilitation

When a person is affected by a serious illness, the focus should not only be on physical symptoms. Chronic illness or permanent disabilities impact the whole person and their family. This module introduces key concepts, research findings, and theories in psychological rehabilitation, including the potential benefits of incorporating psychological dimensions as a supplement to existing interdisciplinary rehabilitation approaches.

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