Towards Fermentation as Method, Methodology and Intelligence

<p dir="ltr">This research contribution introduces how fermentation has informed my newly developed methods and methodology, termed <i>Fermethod</i>, <i>Fermentology </i>and<i> </i>the Fermentation Intelligences<i> </i><i>Fermentillgences</i>. It further positions fermentation as a teacher through the centring of seven fermentation intelligences, including, poly-temporalities, preserving and transforming (Fournier, 2020), agitating towards stability (Chen, 2018), interspecies kinship (Haraway, 2016), contamination (Katz, 2003, 2020; Tsing, 2015), sensorial knowing and magic + joy.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Slide 1: Fermentation Intelligences</b><br>Positions fermentation as a teacher through the centring of seven fermentation intelligences,including poly-temporalities, preserving and transforming (Fournier, 2020), agitating towards stability (Chen, 2018), interspecies kinship (Haraway, 2016), contamination (Katz, 2003, 2020; Tsing, 2015), sensorial knowing and magic + joy. The fermentation intelligences support the re-evaluating of deep learning intentions in research projects.</p><p dir="ltr"><br><b>Slide 2: Fermentology</b><br>Describes <i>Fermentology</i>, a newly created methodology that functions as both a research framework and a value system. It advocates for a processual and emergent understanding of knowledge creation through prioritising, slowness, situatedness (Haraway, 2016), collaboration (Tsing, 2015), transformation (Tsing, 2015) and porosity (Katz, 2020). Aligned with a post qualitative (St Pierre, 2014, 2017, 2021; Le Grange, 2018) approach, <i>Fermentology</i> integrates the <i>Vital Forces</i>, and emphasises the importance of time, context, and relational dynamics in the creation and dissemination of knowledge.<br><br><b>Slide 3: Fermethod</b><br>Outlines the <i>Fermethods</i>, which build upon Colebrook (2017) and Lenz Taguchi and St.Pierre's (2017) notion of 'concept as method' and draw upon my material investigations with fermentation. I propose the following <i>Fermethods</i> as tools to inform the data analysis and distillation process, they are, <i>chopping, preserving, bruising, packing, soaking and bubbling</i>. They are informed by what Colebrook (2017) terms 'intensive concepts,' where "the concept itself operates as a method, derived directly from the problem it addresses" (p. 654), furthermore they emphasise a departure from traditional humanist and individualist research methods.<br></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr"><b>Conclusion</b><br>This research output not only advances conceptual approaches to methods and methodology, it also offers a tangible 'research container' to aid other researchers and academics in applying these innovative concepts. By embracing the complex and transformative nature of fermentation, this offering invites a rethinking of traditional research methodologies, promoting a more reflective, and dynamic approach to academic inquiry.</p><p dir="ltr"><br><b>References</b><br><br></p><ul><li>Chen, M. Y. (2018). 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