Francisca Rocha Gonçalves

Interdisciplinary Researcher | Sound Artist | Creative Director
Based in Berlin, originally from Porto, Portugal

Francisca Rocha Gonçalves is an interdisciplinary researcher and artist whose work sits at the intersection of sound, science, and environmental activism. With a diverse academic background in biological sciences (Veterinary Medicine), Multimedia (Master’s), and a PhD in Digital Media from the University of Porto, she brings together technology, ecology, and artistic expression to explore underwater soundscapes and noise pollution.

Her research in acoustic ecology centres on the effects of underwater vibrations and particle motion, exploring how anthropogenic noise affects aquatic life. By leveraging sound art and creative technologies, Francisca seeks to raise societal and environmental awareness, translating scientific research into accessible artistic expressions. Her work offers new perspectives not only for musical compositions but also for live performances that foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural world.

Currently, Francisca teaches a course titled Reflecting Human-Environment Relations Through Sound at Bard College Berlin. She is also the artist-in-residence for “A Call to the Sea”, part of the EU-funded Bauhaus of the Sea Sails project. This residency, in collaboration with Aquário Vasco da Gama, Câmara Municipal de Oeiras, and the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, explores innovative solutions to reconnect humans with nature while reflecting the zoological collection of the Aquarium.

Aliases

  • SINØ: An original music and sound project focused on experimental soundscapes. Through SINØ, Francisca explores immersive and spatial sound compositions that integrate natural and electronic elements.
  • SININHO: As a DJ and performer under this alias, Francisca delivers energetic, genre-blending sets that bring vibrant atmospheres to various events.

Collaborations & Co-Founded Projects

  • ICARUS (Arts-Science Project): Co-founder of this interdisciplinary project, in collaboration with Dr. Johannes Goessling and James Diamond. ICARUS focuses on the photonic properties of diatoms, creating upscaled ice sculptures based on their internal structures to blend scientific inquiry with artistic creation.
  • Openfield Creative Lab: Co-founder of this artistic collective, which functions as a platform for public art installations and interactive experiences that encourage community engagement and artistic exploration.
  • ØSAW (Ocean Soundscape Awareness): Co-founder of this initiative, which aims to raise awareness of underwater noise pollution and its impacts on marine ecosystems through sound art, research, and environmental activism.
  • CLUB 447 (Music Events): Co-founder and organizer of a series of music events celebrating the 90s era. CLUB 447 combines thematic décor, DJ sets, and interactive performances to revive the cultural and musical energy of that era.