The world’s leading biomedical research university, The Rockefeller University draws top scientists and graduate students from around the world in pursuit of one mission: to conduct science for the benefit of humanity.

The University wanted to develop a media installation that captured the history and legacy of scientific discovery, including research by Nobel-prize winning scientists. Designed for the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus expansion, the touchscreen-based experience provides information on the diverse range of historic and current scientists.

Designed and developed by C&G Partners, Scientist Explorer is an interactive biographical collection with a surprising shape that chronicles the ongoing process of discovery in the Nobel-Prize-winning biomedical labs.

Conceived as an interactive directory, the digital installation allows users to explore the great minds who contributed to The Rockefeller University, past and present.

The intuitive touch screen experience allows users to filter through scientists not only by name and field of study but by their awards, honors, and timeline at the institution. Individual biography pages provide a comprehensive overview of the scientists’ trajectory through a compelling timeline while indicating with which Rockefeller University building they are associated.

Design elements like the playful color palette and distinct motion graphics are inspired by chemical particles, referencing the many great discoveries made at the world-class biomedical institution. Similarly, the unique circular form of the interactive is a play on a magnifying glass and petri dish that also dematerializes the square screen to attract visitors.

The project has just launched (early 2020) and has not yet been measured. Early anecdotal observations are powerful: for many visitors, academics, and scientists the moment of delight and interaction is worthwhile.