Breaking Barriers: Grégory Darcy's Vision for an Inclusive Future

Breaking the Wall of Exclusion

Winner Interview 2024: Art & Science

Explore the innovative work of Grégory Darcy, the 2024 Art & Science winner, as he envisions a world united by human diversity and collaboration. His project integrates art and AI to foster universal inclusion, bridging creativity and technology to redefine the future of human connection. Discover how his groundbreaking research promotes a more inclusive and connected world.

Which wall does your research or project break?
Our research project intends to break the wall of exclusion and share a vision of a world where people are not categorized according to black or white, refugees or locals, disabled or non-disabled. A world in which there are only human beings. It aims also at overcoming the idea that artificial intelligence is for sure a danger for human beings and at questioning tthe idea hat we need above all in science top expert who are specialized in one specific field. Future questions will no longer be solved by one discipline alone. 
 

What are the three main goals of your research or project?
The tree main goals of our project are first to demonstrate that people who are different (cultures, genders, strengths, weaknesses) are an asset for successful research. As I learned at NASA, to travel in space, you need not only to be smart, but to be able to see a problem from different angles. People with disabilities are experts in this sense.

Second, to discover bridges between human creativity and Artificial Intelligence through theater and dance.

Third, to find through art and science a path towards universal inclusion. 
 

What advice would you give to young scientists or students interested in pursuing a career in research, or to your younger self starting in science?
My main advice would be not to be afraid to think differently, even if you're the only one who believes that the impossible could be possible.

A scientist should search for today's limits and push them hard with all possible intelligence and intuition until they are overcome

Never settle also for comfortable success that could lead to mentally sleep. A scientist should become through his/her research a seeker of freedom for all of us, keeping in mind that science without conscience leads to the ruin of human species. 

What inspired you to be in the profession you are today?
Action, passion both for art and science, creativity, connection between emotional und intellectual thinking, trying to design the futur in a human way, promoving tolerance, acceptance, respect and inclusion for the next generation. 
 

What impact does your research or project have on society?
It gives impulses for more inclusion and open new paths between art and science. 
 

What is one surprising fact about your research or project that people might not know?
1. The best and safest way to develop artificial intelligence would be to involve people with disabilities in the development process. 2. Inclusion is much more than social inclusion, much more than just us as human beings. A new definition of inclusion is not only necessary but urgent if we want to survive als species. 
 

What’s the most exciting moment you've experienced over the course of your research or project?
Discovering that the most subtle dance communication I have ever seen as choreographer was between a professional dancer with Down syndrome and a state-of-the-art AI robot.