The Art x Science knitwear collection curated by the Art x Science Office of UZH aims to open perspectives on a variety of complex research questions. Based on dialogues between UZH scientists and artists, the knits illustrate current scientific questions in fields ranging from astrophysics to molecular biology, through neuroscience and more.

See all knits in motion at the end of the page!

Bringing the collection to life, b-boys and b-girls Shigekix, Tsukki, Ra1on, Y-HI, RAM, NANOHA, and AYANE took turns showcasing the knit pieces and their gravity-defying breakdance skills. Performing under the Swiss flag and against visuals highlighting the underlying research, they captivated visitors and offered a glimpse into Switzerland’s commitment to collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and research excellence.

The conversation deepened during a special talk event at the Swiss Pavilion, XII After Ours and scientists came together to reflect on their shared curiosities and creative processes. The audience, made up of International Science Olympians and emerging breaking talents, witnessed a rare, unscripted dialogue moderated by Kyoko Marumo Suzuki from the Science & Technology Office on themes that unite disciplines often seen as worlds apart.

Gravity was the first topic explored with Prof. Masaki Yamashita (KAVLI Institute for Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, University of Tokyo), in conversation with B-girl Ayane and B-girl Nanoha. While breakers can be seen as “defying gravity”, the dancers explained that they work with gravity rather than against it. They must fight it to lift, flip, and spin, but gravity also grounds them and provides the resistance they need to create impact. By learning to harness it, they turn strength into flow, turning powerful moves into expressive moments.

Prof. Yamashita, whose research on dark matter includes collaboration with Prof. Laura Baudis (UZH), shared how the invisible forces in the universe such as gravity and dark matter are as elusive as they are essential. One of the Art x Science knit pieces, created in collaboration with Prof. Baudis and designer Andrea Mettler, reads: “WE LONG TO SEE / WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN” referencing this search for the invisible. The dancers immediately connected with this idea, how emotions, mood, and energy influence every performance, turning invisible emotions visible and shareable.

Neuroscience took the spotlight next, with Prof. Yoshiho Ikeuchi (Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo) discussing perception, memory, and movement with B-girl RAM, B-boy Y-HI, B-boy Tsukki, and Hana Wada Jäggi from the Science & Technology Office. The conversation explored how the brain choreographs complex motion and enables creative improvisation. The dancers shared candidly that, during performance or freestyle sessions, they are not consciously thinking about the workings of their brains. Instead, their movements emerge intuitively, guided by muscle memory, rhythm, and experience. They noted that reflective analysis tends to happen spontaneously after rehearsals, when they review their progress and solidify new moves. Highlighting the value of such interdisciplinary dialogue, the dancers added that they would begin thinking about their brains more intentionally moving forward.

Finally, the theme of Art × Science brought together Dr. Katharina Weikl (Art × Science Office, UZH), B-boy Shigekix, and B-boy Ra1on for a closing exchange that underscored the power of collaboration across disciplines and the importance of staying curious.

The event offered a vivid example of Swiss-Japanese collaboration, where research, art, and youth intersect to shape the future.

A highlight of the talk event was the surprise appearance of Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo, who offered a reflection on the deeper relationship between science and art. In his address, he emphasized the essential role of interdisciplinarity, creativity, and curiosity in shaping the future of education and innovation.

His presence underscored the significance of these values for the next generation, and his message to the young crowd was clear: you do not have to draw a line between art and science, you can pursue both.