“In 2019, cultural divides between science and art will cease to exist.”
- Russell Foster for Wired magazine

Dear Leonardo Supporter,

I am pleased to announce a new partnership initiative between Leonardo/ISAST, the publisher of transdisciplinary research, and Arizona State University (ASU), the largest research university in the world. This partnership will provide leadership for the advancement of the university's work in the area of art-science research and creative activity, with the ability to amplify ASU's international profile in the field. ASU’s resources, infrastructure, network, intellectual capital and organizational support will launch Leonardo and its constituent programs to a new level of growth and market presence, as well as provide long-term continuity for the organization.

As a first step in the partnership, we have brought on three ASU faculty to the governing board of Leonardo. I am delighted to welcome Associate Research Professor Michael G. Bennett, Professor and Director of the School of Arts, Media + Engineering (AME) Xin Wei Sha, and Associate Professor and interdisciplinary scholar of Science, Technology and Society (STS) Cynthia Selin to our Board. (Headshots correspond with the above names left to right)

With ASU’s support, we will be hiring a Leonardo Executive Director to lead the way forward for this partnership. The E.D. will be based in Tempe, Arizona, and the Leonardo headquarters and current staff will remain in Oakland, California. We ask that you share this opportunity widely:

Executive Director Position Profile

Arizona State University and Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology (ISAST) seek a dynamic leader to take the helm of Leonardo as part of the new partnership between the two organizations. The Executive Director position will carry an appointment as a Professor of Practice in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. The Executive Director is to be the Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo/ISAST and will report to the ASU-led Personnel Committee of the Leonardo Board of Directors, and will be responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

Leonardo will continue our current programs, including Leonardo Journal and publications, our artist/scientist residencies, and LASER Talk series, and will expand them this year with more exciting announcements to come. Our publications will continue with MIT Press, and Roger Malina will remain Executive Editor of Leonardo Journal and publications. This marks a moment at which we can grow our impact and expand our staffing and resources.

You are welcome to direct your questions and feedback to me directly or to Managing Director Danielle Siembieda.

Exciting times,