About
Creative Empirical is a research consultancy that partners with creative organisations to design bespoke, academically rigorous research and evaluation protocols.
We bring together project-specific teams of leading academics and practitioners to deliver cutting-edge studies that generate robust evidence and high-quality evaluation frameworks. Our expertise spans quantitative methodologies, including neural, physiological, moving-image, and large-scale survey approaches, and every project is reviewed by university ethics boards at Goldsmiths, University of London, and the University of Cambridge. This ensures our work meets the highest academic and ethical standards while remaining directly relevant to the needs of the creative industries.
Incorporated in 2025 and led by researcher Oliver Durcan, Creative Empirical was established to provide creative organisations with a solution that generates high-quality evidence and insights in line with the latest developments in academia. Our work supports partners in demonstrating impact, shaping policy, securing funding, and innovating practice. We specialise in two primary research areas:
Our Consciousness Programme investigates the neural and psychological correlates of altered and enhanced states of consciousness in creative composition, performance, and perception. By integrating neuroscience with artistic practice, we aim to advance fundamental science while opening new pathways for innovation in the creative industries.
Our Creative Health Programme develops policy-shaping evidence and evaluation frameworks on how creative practice affects health and wellbeing. We explore not only the benefits of creative engagement but also the moderating factors that influence outcomes, giving cultural organisations, funders, and policymakers reliable data to inform future investment.
Company No. 16502201