Each year, Schmidt Science Fellows convenes leading figures across academia, industry and policy, to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary science. For its 2024 Interdisciplinary Science Forum, which was held at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., they sought a way to engage a broader audience with the work of their Fellows—scientists who are shaping the future.

Inspired by the storied setting of the event, Outright developed an event experience that seamlessly blended historical elegance with modern innovation. Our design concept, Science is Art, was both an event brand and exhibit.

Outright shaped the full event experience—bringing cohesion and sophistication through motion design, on-stage impact, signage, and environmental graphics. Guests were treated to a high-end experience that paired stunning visuals with the one-of-a-kind setting of the National Portrait Gallery.

The experience was further enhanced through a unique exhibit. Nine Fellows were transformed into timeless portraits—created through a custom AI-generative art process. Each piece is drawn from a distinct genre of portraiture, interwoven with symbolic elements that reflect both the Fellow’s research and personal passions. The result? A striking collection of art that framed scientific discovery as an act of creativity.

Working at the intersection of science and art, the concept reinforced the Schmidt Science Fellows mission to break down barriers, creating an unforgettable evening.