for immediate release (Tempe, AZ, January 12, 2024) : 

Leonardo-ASU is thrilled to announce the recipients of our inaugural Leonardo-ASU Planetary Health Research Seed Grants, an interdisciplinary creative research collaboration addressing global challenges and positive pathways for change. The two selected projects exemplify innovation, creativity, and a commitment to advance our understanding of complex issues. Seed funding of up to $25,000 per project will further contribute to their success and impact at this pivotal stage in their development. Awardees were selected from a competitive pool of project applications that addressed a wide range of issues, including regenerative solutions for coral reef health, Indigenous knowledge keeping, participatory governance, and more. This first call for proposals to the Seed Grants attracted ASU-led applicant teams representing 18 units across ASU, as well as including esteemed colleagues from ASU partners and other institutions. We thank all applicants and reviewers in the process, and we congratulate the grant recipients.

The 2023 - 2024 Seed Grant selected projects are: Atmospheres of Belonging, exploring olfactory aspects of fostering inclusive, resilient communities impacted by climate change-induced migration, and MEDIAted Membranes, Environmental Data Resonance transforming urban spaces. We are excited about the potential impact these projects will have on shaping a more vibrant, just and regenerative future. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and the transformative outcomes they are poised to deliver.

Atmospheres of Belonging

Project Team:

• Principal Investigator: Dr. Christy Spackman (School for the Future of Innovation in Society;  School of Arts, Media, and Engineering)
• Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Byron Lahey (School of Arts, Media, and Engineering), Dr. Kevin McHugh (School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning; Global Futures Laboratory; School of Human Evolution and Social Change; Barrett The Honors College)

SUMMARY: "Atmospheres of Belonging" is an interdisciplinary initiative that addresses the profound impact of climate change-induced immigration on communities. Situated in Mesa, Arizona, the project delves into the olfactory aspects of belonging through community collaboration, archival research, and the creation of a kinetic sculpture. By merging art, science, and technology, the team aims to deepen their understanding of belonging dynamics, challenge traditional perceptions, and contribute to future research on fostering inclusive, resilient cities.

MEDIAted Membranes: Environmental Data Resonance in UrbanScapes

Project Team:

• Principal Investigator: Dr. Ana Herruzo (The Design School; School of Arts, Media, and Engineering)
• Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Biayna Bogosian (The Design School; School for the Future of Innovation in Society), Nicholas Pilarski (The Sidney Poitier New American Film School; Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning; Global Futures Lab; School of Arts, Media, and Engineering), and Johanna Richards (MIX Center, Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts).

SUMMARY: "MEDIAted Membranes" is an urban media project that transforms urban spaces into dynamic, responsive entities. Integrating architecture, AI, data sensing, and visualization, the project envisions urban infrastructure as fluid and interactive. By utilizing real-time environmental data and AI, the team turns architectural displays into interactive platforms, amplifying community narratives and addressing diverse urban issues. Located at ASU's MIX Center, the project showcases the seamless integration of technology, real-time data science, community engagement, and artistic expression for informed, sustainable, and inclusive urban communities.

About Leonardo-ASU Planetary Health Research Seed Grants

A collaborative venture supported by the ASU Global Futures Lab (GFL) and the Herberger Institute of Design & Art (HIDA), the Leonardo-ASU Research Seed Grant initiative is committed to fostering early-stage interdisciplinary research and creative projects that address global challenges in planetary health. Seed Grant projects align with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing regenerative systems, access, justice, and equity. Selection criteria and process were developed jointly by GFL, HIDA and Leonardo-ASU. The selection review committee included five colleagues across GFL and HIDA, along with one representative from Leonardo/ISAST.  Projects were evaluated on their intellectual and scholarly merit, creativity and innovation, collaboration and strategic engagement with partnerships, potential to attract further funding and to impact positive global change.

For more information, contact: Leonardo-ASU Program Coordinator Jenny Strickland at jastrick@asu.edu.