Distinguished Research or Creative Activity Award

The Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity (ADROCA) recognizes and honors preeminent achievement in research or creative activity by full-time members of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, whose work is of sufficient originality and distinction to merit attention at the national level, or beyond. ADROCA recipients foster and enhance the quality of research and creative activity at the University while reaffirming the values of discovery, innovation, and fulfillment in scholarship and the arts.

Mark Gilbert, Ph.D. School of the Arts College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media

Dr. Mark Gilbert is a highly accomplished artist, teacher, and researcher whose work has redefined the relationship between art and medicine. After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art in 1991, he embarked on a career that would blend his artistic talents with medical and healthcare contexts. With a focus on art-based research, Gilbert’s interdisciplinary approach has shed new light on the patient and caregiver experience of illness, recovery, and care. His extensive research endeavors have explored the profound impact of portraiture as a means of communication, providing unique insights into healthcare contexts. Notably, he worked on groundbreaking projects such as Saving Faces at The Royal London Hospital and Portraits of Care at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Through his dedication and innovative methodologies, Gilbert has become a leading figure in the field, inspiring critical conversations and transforming our understanding of the intersection of art and medicine.

Gilbert's research journey began in 1998 when he was appointed as an artist-in-residence at The Royal London Hospital in England. Collaborating with maxillofacial surgeon Prof. Iain Hutchison, Gilbert embarked on a project titled Saving Faces. Through the medium of portraiture, he intimately depicted patients as they experienced illness, surgery, and recovery. The resulting collection of artworks not only provided a visual record of their experiences but also catalyzed dialogue and understanding. Gilbert's ability to capture the essence of the patient's journey through art opened new pathways for medical professionals and the general public to engage with and empathize with these experiences.

With a deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Gilbert pursued his research in the field of Art and Medicine. In 2014, he earned his Ph.D. from UNMC, focusing on non-discursive methods of communication as a form of research. His work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between art and healthcare, emphasizing the power of aesthetic responses and reflective practices in shaping medical and art education. Gilbert's research has not only been disseminated widely but also ignited critical conversations on the relationship between society and health, as well as the dynamics of care. Through his innovative approach, he has demonstrated the transformative potential of the arts in understanding and addressing illness.

The impact of Gilbert's research extends far beyond the confines of academia. His artworks and research have been widely exhibited across Europe and the United States, captivating audiences with their thought-provoking narratives. Through his diverse range of sitters, Gilbert highlights the shared humanity of individuals from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. By documenting and portraying their stories, he advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. Gilbert's work has garnered extensive media coverage, raising awareness about the vital role of art in healthcare and inspiring other researchers and artists to explore the intersection of art and medicine.

Dr. Mark Gilbert's transformative research at the intersection of art and medicine has revolutionized our understanding of illness, recovery, and care. Through his pioneering use of portraiture and innovative research methodologies, he has provided a unique lens through which to examine the patient and caregiver experience. Gilbert's dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and his ability to engage the public have solidified his position as a leading figure in the field. As society increasingly recognizes the profound impact of the arts on healthcare, Gilbert's research will continue to shape conversations, inspire new perspectives, and foster empathy and understanding in the medical community and beyond.

Nomination Information

Download the Distinguished Research or Creative Activity Award nomination criteria and forms

Important Dates

• March 1: Nomination Deadline
• April 1: Nominee documentation due

Past Award Recipients

View the full list of award recipients