In celebration of Leonardo/ISAST’s 50th year, and as we look forward to our next 50, we would like to acknowledge rising interdisciplinary authors and artists we are calling “emerging Leonardos.”

The following emerging Leonardos have recently received honors through Leonardo programs.

A half a century ago, kinetic artist and astronautical pioneer Frank Malina set out to solve the needs of a community of artists and scientists working across disciplines by using the “new media” of the time: offset print publishing. As a groundbreaking, innovative venture, Leonardo represented a unique vision: to serve as an international channel of communication among artists, with emphasis on the writings of artists who use science and developing technologies in their work.

Dante wrote "Nature is the art of God", and we feel the art of nature here at Djerassi.  The old master wrote The Divine Comedy while in exile from his daily responsibilities in Florence, while modern master of science-based fiction Andy Weir (The Martian) channels what Dante called "forza", or  the force of action, in his thrillers.  I'm feeling a kinship with both authors as I construct my new book Continental Shift during this Leonardo-Djerassi residency in exile.