The Inspire Lab for Image Research was established in Shenkar in order to delve deeper into issues related to the interrelations between image and photo, and between technologies and interfaces and those who design and operate them. The lab is home to academics, scholars, artists, designers, engineers, industrialists and artists engaged in both theoretical and practical research.

Led by Oded Chai, Director of External and Continuing Studies and with academic consulting by Dr. Yanai Toister, Director of the Cultural Studies Program, and Dr. Amnon Dekel, Head of the Software Engineering Department, the lab supports research projects and academic publications on photography and offers a variety of courses and activities, international conferences and exhibitions.