Where do we find beauty in our work? What role does it play in our work, and how might it help or hinder us?
When we think about beauty, we usually think about art or fashion. But is beauty relevant to other domains such as science, justice, business, government, and other aspects of our lives?
Where do we find beauty in our work? What role does it play in our work, and how might it help or hinder us?
When we think about beauty, we usually think about art or fashion. But is beauty relevant to other domains such as science, justice, business, government, and other aspects of our lives?
After studying scientists in several countries in the Work and Well-Being in Science study, we find that beauty plays a vital role in science, drawing people into scientific careers, shaping the practice of science, and contributing to the well-being of scientists. We suspect that beauty might similarly play an important yet hidden role in other domains of work.
In this symposium, we will share the findings of our research and host a series of conversations to illuminate the role of beauty in shaping work across a variety of domains.
Friday, May 26th 2023
4-6pm | Registration & Welcome Reception | Maloney Atrium
Drinks & Hors d’oeuvres
6pm | Introduction and Opening Remarks | Della Ratta Auditorium
Introduction: Brandon Vaidyanathan
Opening Remarks: Peter Kilpatrick, President of The Catholic University of America
6:15-7:45pm | Opening Panel: Beauty in Science: Why it Matters | Della Ratta Auditorium
Panelists:
Rob Gilbert, University of Oxford
Aaron Dominguez, The Catholic University of America
Massimo Robberto, Space Telescope Science Institute
Moderated by: Maria Teresa Landi, National Cancer Institute, NIH
7:45pm | Wine, Cheese, & Dessert Reception | Maloney Atrium
Saturday, May 27th 2023
8-9am | Light Breakfast | Maloney Atrium
9-10:30am Plenary Panel: How Beauty Works | Della Ratta Auditorium
Anjan Chatterjee, University of Pennsylvania
Julio Bermudez, The Catholic University of America
Pallavi Dean, Roar
Sheri Parks, University of Maryland
Moderated by: Christine Emba, Washington Post
10:30-10:45am Break
10:45-12:15pm Concurrent Panels | Maloney Hall |
From Plotinus to Polanyi: Definitions of Beauty Across the Ages
Jack Boczar, Dominican House of Studies
Amrit Singh, Cornell University
Sally Mullis, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Moderated by: Jeffrey Dirk Wilson, The Catholic University of America
Aesthetic Properties and Scientific Information
Myron Penner, Trinity Western University
Amanda Nichols, Oklahoma Christian University
Milena Ivanova, Fitzwilliam College Cambridge
Punya Mishra, Arizona State University
Rebecca Kamen, University of Pennsylvania
Moderated by: Jonathan Buttaci, The Catholic University of America
Educating for Beauty and the Built Environment
Becky Cerling, Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, USC
David Judson, Judson Studios
Christina Butler, American College of Buildings Arts
Alessandro Mele, Cometa Research
Moderated by: Lee Cerling, University of Southern California
12:30-2pm: Lunch and Discussion | Law School Atrium
2:15-3:45pm Concurrent Panels | Maloney Hall
Beauty in Business
Anna Bond, Rifle Paper Co
Jessica Rey, Rey Swimwear
Louis Kim, HP Inc.
Moderated by: Beatriz Lopez Bonetti, The Catholic University of America
Beauty and Human Flourishing
Wayne Brezinka, Artist
Eri Mountbatten-O’Malley, Bath Spa University
Paul Radich, The Catholic University of America
Dony Mac Manus, Sculptor
Moderated by: Dana Ray, Name Your Work
Convergences and Divergences in Art and Science
June Boyce-Tillman, University of Winchester UK
Timothy Reilly, Ave Maria University
David Corey, Baylor University
Wael Farouq, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Moderated by: Bridget Ritz, University of Notre Dame
3:45-4pm Break
4-5:30pm Closing Panel: What’s Beautiful about Democracy? | Della Ratta Auditorium
Uma Viswanathan, New Pluralists
Shadi Hamid, Brookings Institution
Hélène Landemore, Yale University
Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic
Moderated by: Samuel Kimbriel, The Aspen Institute
5:45pm Dinner Reception | Law School Atrium
To view recordings of the plenary sessions, click the “See More” button.
Full Program Guide available here.
