Back in 2006, Future-ish set out to, among many other things, make scientists celebrities on par with actors and athletes. There has certainly been a lot of evidence of exactly this happening since that time but a recent development may be the best realization of this dream yet...a scientist and fashion designer collaborated to create a stunning gown worthy of any red carpet. Indeed, worthy of a Nobel Prize winner.
In December 2014, University College London's John O’Keefe and Norwegian University of Science and Technology's May-Britt and Edvard Moser (why yes, they are married) were awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering neuron "grid cells" that serve as a system in the brain for spacial positioning, essentially the brain's GPS system.
With this news, British engineer turned fashion designer Matthew Hubble, saw an opportunity to create a special couture gown for May-Britt Moser. Hubble approached Moser with the idea, she agreed, and the resulting Grid Cell Dress is a peace of sartorial art that both rises to the Nobel Prize Ceremony occasion and serves as a unique communication tool that is sure to engage whole new audiences in groundbreaking science.
In the video interview in Manaster's article list below, Hubble comments on the collaboration:
"if we can get more fashion communicating more science to more people and widening the talent pool that might be interested in a career in science or engineering, then its a great thing to know that I can inspire people, as well as role models such as May-Britt."Read more about Moser and Hubble's collaboration in the linked articles below.
- Ash, S. 2014. Today, Dr. May-Britt Moser from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) accepts her Nobel Prize in true startorial style. The STARtorialist.
- Boyle, A. 2014. Neurons Inspire Nobel Laureate May-Britt Moser's Dress. NBC News.
- Manaster, J. 2014. Glittering Nobel Gown Represents Scientists Work. Scientific American.
- McNally, V. 2014. One Nobel Recipient Accepted Her Prize Wearing A Gown Covered In Neurons That She Discovered. The Mary Sue.