Oore Daniel

Research Project

Cell Sounds: Cancer & Care

Project Abstract

Daniel Oore’s project at Iméra, the Institute for Advanced Study of Aix-Marseille University, explores synergies of sound, aesthetics, and medical science, specifically within oncology and immunotherapy research and care.

Introduction: Sound as a Bridge Between Art and Medicine

Inspired by personal connections to this work and by the opportunity to collaborate with partners at AMU, ICI, PRISM, and within Aix-Marseille’s communities, this interdisciplinary initiative aims to support cancer research and care.

While sound is a defining medium of music, it also plays an integral role within oncology. Sound waves are tools for non-invasive imaging and therapy applications, including the precise targeting and treatment of cancerous cells. Patient well-being is impacted by sound in healthcare environments, sound used in rehabilitation techniques, and sound as a mood and stress modulator to complement therapeutic approaches to cancer management. In music and art, sound is a medium of narrative and metaphor, creating meaning, agency, humanistic expression, and emotional resonance. Sonification offers a bridge by using sound to detect patterns and tell stories latent in data. Sound’s multifaceted roles reveal its power and potential.

This project focuses on the following dimensions:

• Music-Oncology Research Collaboration: Investigating interdisciplinary approaches such as sonification to help understand data and advance cancer research.
• Social Engagement: Collaborative development of interactive soundscapes and social art practices to facilitate dialogues about cancer.

Aligning these dimensions connects artistic, scientific, and clinical practices; and patient and community well-being. Sound facilitates new approaches to cancer treatment and care.

Objectives and Methodology

Auditory Translations and Interpretations: This objective involves sonically translating and modeling cancer biology, immunotherapeutic processes, and related research data. Translations and representations can enhance and also challenge conventions and yield unforeseen and useful perspectives on familiar data. Translating treatment processes into auditory experiences can also make scientific concepts accessible and emotionally resonant for patients and their communities. This includes sonifications that model tumoural structures and compositions that simulate immunological processes, providing researchers as well as patients and their communities with new tools for scientific understanding.

Community Engagement: This objective explores interactive public soundscapes, audio/visual installations, and social art practices to facilitate dialogues about cancer treatments and care. By transforming the science of oncology and immunotherapy into experiential art, these immersive and interactive dimensions aim to promote a supportive and empathic community. Such approaches can reduce stigma and fear frequently associated with cancer while fostering appreciation for the achievements and challenges in cancer research, treatment, and lived experience.

Philosophical Perspective: Sound, Science, Healing, and Human Connection

At the core of this project is the idea that transdisciplinary dialogues facilitated with sound, can harness science and art to promote clinical innovation and enhance patient and community well-being. Healing is viewed as a holistic process, supported by the integration of diverse perspectives and creative expressions. This project posits that sound’s multifaceted roles in cancer care can open new avenues for physiological and social healing.

Sound evokes deep emotional responses and creates powerful social connections. By using sound to convey the stories of cancer patients and their journeys, we foster compassion and empathy. By using sound to illuminate the patterns and narratives within cancer research data, we enhance clinical understanding. Interactive sound installations can make complex medical advances broadly accessible. Public engagement also provides opportunities to reduce fears and stigmas while increasing appreciation for the achievements and challenges that mark the lives of patients, researchers, and their communities.

“Sons des Cellules : Cancer et Soins / Cell Sounds: Cancer & Care” aims to advance research and to foster understanding, awe, and compassion in cancer treatment and care.

Biography

Daniel Oore is sought as a sound artist and designer, composer, musician, improviser, actor, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and scholar, working across North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond, receiving awards across these fields. Dani’s creative work includes invented instruments and acoustic, electronic, orchestral, chamber, multimedia, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural practices and collaborations. Daniel’s scholarship is published and presented in music, science, and culture venues. His teaching and research encompass visiting professorships and faculty appointments, focusing on music in science, digital music, music video and sound studies, sonic activism, genocide studies, improvisation, saxophone, composition, performance, and music education. As an Artist-in-Residence, he leads and co-facilitates diverse community-building arts projects, striving to lift and connect voices.