Researchers get a creative boost as students employ art to innovate the discourse around scholarly work

The Translational Research Immersion Program, a four-year-old initiative at the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Penn, is revolutionising the way scientific research is communicated and understood. This program, designed for undergraduate students, immerses them in the world of translational research, turning lab discoveries into medicine, tools, or treatments for doctors.

At the heart of this program is the artist-in-residence initiative, which aims to make scientific discoveries more accessible and understandable to the public. The artist-in-residence, currently Christina Simms, shadows students in labs, workshops, seminars, and presentations, fostering a deeper understanding of research among students.

The artist-in-residence program encourages collaboration and reflection among students, challenging them to translate complex research into visual art that connects the broader community with revolutionary discoveries in medicine. As students progress in the program, they view their research as stories waiting to be told.

The program's goal is not just to educate students but also to bridge the gap between researchers and the community. By transforming how scientists communicate about their research, the Translational Research Immersion Program aims to foster community engagement in scientific research.

The artist-in-residence program contributes to this goal by making scientific discoveries more powerful, engaging, and far-reaching. Christina Simms, the artist-in-residence for the fourth edition of the program, created artwork communicating her research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2025.

The process aims to break down barriers to understanding science. The artist-in-residence initiative explores the idea of scientists thinking like artists to decode research for the public and improve health outcomes. The Translational Research Immersion Program is designed to do just that, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration that will shape the future of scientific communication.