The current context of ecological emergency requires developing new forms of interactions between technology, humans and ecosystems. Anchored in the department of Design and Computation Arts, the Concordia University Research Chair in Critical Practices in Materials and Materiality examines the socio-environmental, technological and political issues pertaining to material production. Through research-creation that combines with practices in materials and environmental sciences, the Chair mobilizes new relationships with residual, bio-inspired, responsive, and bio-composite materials to develop aesthetic, critical, and methodological knowledge on engagement with materials that are resilient for the environment and communities. At the crossroads of cultural, scientific and citizen initiatives, the Chair is a platform for creation, innovation and dialogue. Its four specific initiatives are to:

· conduct art-science research to creatively respond to the socio-environmental issues related to materiality;

· promote the contribution of practitioners and citizens to research-creation;

· develop innovative and multilingual formats for knowledge transfer focused on the materiality of research;

· create a 'hub' in Critical Practices in Materials and Materiality, thereby benefiting students, researchers and participating communities;