Art and design practices have a long history of research through close visual studies, prototyping, employing iterative design processes, experimenting with materials, and conversing with other historical, social and disciplinary frameworks. Our academy operates from the perspective that art and design research produces new forms of knowledge and practices, and is a catalyst for innovation and social transformation.

Within the Willem de Kooning Academy Research is everywhere, although there are two focus points, the Research Station and the Research Center.