29 August 2023: 16.00 – 17.00 CEST. On Zoom
In the second Arts & Science event of the Young Academy of Europe, we will explore how arts can serve as a conduit for scientific communication. Complex scientific concepts can be made more accessible and engaging through artistic representations. Visualisations, animations, and interactive exhibits bridge the gap between the abstract and the tangible, enabling the public to grasp intricate scientific phenomena and foster a sense of wonder and curiosity.
We have the pleasure to announce you our two speakers, Prof. Albert-László Barabási, network scientist (Northeastern University, Harvard University, Central European University https://barabasi.com, https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vsj2slIAAAAJ&hl=en) and Felice Frankel, science photographer and researcher (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, https://felicefrankel.com/).
In addition to his widely recognized scientific work and bestselling books aimed at a broader audience, Albert-László Barabási is a pioneer in the visualization of network science and had several artistic exhibitions showing the beauty of network science data in prestigious art galleries. Besides being a scientist, Felice Frankel is also an award-winning photographer developing workshops, courses and conferences, and writing books with the aim to explore new approaches to promote the public understanding of science through visual expression. Please find below the title and a short summary of their 20-20 min talks, after which we’ll have discussion around the topics raised by our speakers and the audience.
Register via Eventbrite by clicking on the button below, and you will be sent the Zoom link closer to the time:
Hidden Patterns: The Visual Journey of Networks
Albert-László Barabási
Network Science Institute, Northeastern University
Division of Network Medicine, Harvard University,
Department of Network and Data Science, Central European University
The essence of complexity lies in connectivity. Whether we examine the vast expanse of the World Wide Web, the intricacies of a cell, or the marvel of the human brain, their complexity invariably stems from intricate interconnected networks. Connectivity is foundational to our biological makeup, our social Felicfabric, and our communicative prowess. In this talk, I will chart the 25-year odyssey of BarabásiLab in crafting the visual lexicon of networks and connectivity. It will be a journey from the “interactome”—the subcellular networks that underscore our health—to the “connectome”—the neural network that delineates our consciousness. I will chart the transition from the nebulous ‘hairballs’ to the clear connections of 3D printed physical networks, from datavis to the dataism, and from research papers to art museums.
More Than Pretty Pictures
Felice Frankel
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graphics, images and figures — visual representations of scientific data and concepts — are critical components of science and engineering research. They communicate in ways that words cannot. They can clarify or strengthen an argument and spur interest into the research process. The process of making a visual representation requires you to clarify your thinking and improve your ability to communicate with others. In this talk, I will show my own approach to creating depictions in science and engineering—the successes and failures. Included will be a discussion about how far can we go when “enhancing” science images.