Over half of researchers at Israel’s leading technical university actively engage in artistic pursuits, highlighting untapped potential for interdisciplinary innovation in science and engineering.

In a pioneering survey at Technion, one of the world’s top 100 universities, researchers have uncovered a surprising connection between arts and sciences. The study reveals that two-thirds of scientists and engineers actively engage in artistic pursuits, with music leading at 42.3%, followed by visual arts at 24.5%. Despite this significant engagement, perception lags behind reality. While 65% of faculty and graduate students participate in artistic activities, 83.2% of respondents believe that only a quarter or fewer of their colleagues engage in any artistic pursuit. The implications are profound: over 30% of respondents view their artistic engagement as essential to improving their scientific research. One PhD candidate attributed their accelerated research progress to their musical training, noting how a trained ear helped identify crucial equipment sounds that led to a breakthrough. In response to these findings, Technion is evolving beyond viewing arts as mere enrichment. The institution has established an Artist-in-Residency program and the “Music, Science, Inspiration” series, featuring collaborations with Nobel laureates. Over 81% of surveyed researchers advocate for more active integration of arts on campus, particularly through interdisciplinary research platforms and collaborative spaces. This shift represents more than institutional evolution—it’s a recognition that in our disruptive era, the intersection of arts and sciences may be key to unlocking new realms of innovation and discovery.Technion stands not alone with this notion. The Working Scientist podcast series explores collaborative research and experimental platforms for interdisciplinary projects of interested artists, scientists and engineers.