From synthetic biology and robotics to archaeology, immunology, and Antarctic science, curiosity and the willingness to embrace the unexpected can lead to breakthroughs not possible within a single discipline.

At the 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Summit, in association with Duke University, The Pivot Point invited eight researchers from the Schmidt Sciences and Schmidt Science Fellows communities to share the moments that changed the trajectory of their work, and the interdisciplinary thinking that led to new directions for discovery.

The session brought ideas to life through personal stories from researchers working at the frontiers of science.

Among the speakers was 2023 Schmidt Science Fellow Lillian Chin, whose talk explored why robots can’t dance, challenging the audience to think beyond robots as simply bodies carrying brains.

Inspired by how human intelligence emerges through the integration of sensing, movement, and computation, Lillian combines materials, novel geometries, and 3D printing to create robots with new capabilities.

Lillian Chin, Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at Austin

The approach has enabled soft robotic grippers delicate enough to pick up a potato chip without breaking it and is helping translate robotic technologies into real-world clinical applications.

Lillian, who is an Assistant Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, said: “It was really a joy to take part in the Pivot Point.

“I really appreciated getting to present my work to the broader Schmidt Sciences community because I knew they would appreciate the somewhat eclectic mix of interdisciplinary inspirations I draw from.

“I had a lot of great conversations with folks in anthropology, computer graphics, and linguistics immediately after the talk.”

Held in association with Duke University in July, the 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Summit brought together scientists, leaders, partners, and supporters from across the Schmidt community and beyond, strengthening a growing global community committed to advancing interdisciplinary science and accelerating discovery.

Jesse Casana, W.J. Bryant 1925 Professor of Archaeology, Dartmouth College

Jesse Casana works as part of the Schmidt Sciences Humanities and AI Virtual Institute and took the audience from modern artificial intelligence to the ancient world through a remarkable discovery.

Combining AI with declassified spy satellite imagery uncovered previously undocumented Roman forts, reshaping historians’ understanding of the Roman Empire’s eastern frontier.

His work demonstrates how technologies developed for one purpose can unlock entirely new insights into humanity’s past, revealing archaeological evidence that had remained invisible for decades.

Jesse, who is the W.J. Bryant 1925 Professor of Archaeology at Dartmouth College, said:“I loved having the opportunity to share some of my research with such a diverse and talented group of scientists and scholars.

“It was a really unique experience, and amazing to see the breadth of projects and researchers being supported. I was honored to be a part of the event and look forward to the next time we can all gather.”

“Eight researchers showed us what it looks like to step outside your own field and let that crossing reshape the work, grounded in real examples from their own scientific trajectories.”

The session was chaired by James Ricci, Director of Science Systems at Schmidt Sciences.

He said: “We spend a lot of time celebrating what interdisciplinary science produces, but not nearly enough talking about how it actually happens.

“This session changed that. Eight researchers showed us what it looks like to step outside your own field and let that crossing reshape the work, grounded in real examples from their own scientific trajectories.”

James Ricci, Director of Science Systems at Schmidt Sciences

A huge thank you to our speakers:

  • Olivia Goldman (Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California, Berkeley / HHMI)
  • Lillian Chin (Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at Austin)
  • Aleksandr Montelli (Lecturer, University College London)
  • Benjamin Winer (Assistant Professor, New York University)
  • Jesse Casana (W.J. Bryant 1925 Professor of Archaeology, Dartmouth College)
  • Ahmad Khalil (Hok Lam and Kathleen Kam Wong Professor of Bioengineering, and Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University)
  • Angela Wu (Associate Professor, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
  • Andrea Bailey (Scientific Program Manager, University of California, Berkeley)

The Pivot Point captured the spirit of the Interdisciplinary Science Summit, demonstrating how breakthroughs often emerge when researchers connect ideas, methods, and expertise across disciplines to address complex global challenges.