YQI AiR

About YQI AiR

Since 2017

The first program
in the world dedicated
to the intersection of
quantum science & art

The Yale Quantum Institute launched its artist-in-residence (AiR) program in the summer of 2017. Each year, the institute welcomed an artist for a year-long residency to produce quantum science-based artwork and visuals, and to take part in a series of public talks explaining their work and the science behind it across disciplines, in particular across the humanities-science divide. Artists were selected by Florian Carle, in consultation with the Advisory Panel, based on the quality and presentation of their work, their background, and their experience.

The program will conclude in 2027 with the departure of its founding art curator. A 10-year retrospective article is in preparation for publication late 2027. We are grateful to all the artists who shared their vision with the Yale community and the public, to the Advisory Panel for its guidance, and to everyone who attended the talks and exhibitions over the years. The work created during the residencies remains visbile at the Yale Quantum Institute and available on this site.



01
Research & Development

AiR spend 6 months in our quantum laboratories meeting with researchers, learn about quantum concepts, and generate new ideas,
gently guided by Florian.

02
Production

In close collaboration with the researchers, AiR mature their concept and working on the artwork,
firmly produced by Florian.

03
Performances & Presentations

AiR present or perform their artwork for the public at the end of the residency, often part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas Festival,
theatrically hosted by Florian.

Art Curator:
Florian Carle

Known for his creative approach to science outreach, Florian brings a unique perspective as a French rocket scientist with a theater background, turned science communicator with a passion for making STEM education fun and inspiring. He develops science outreach programing for the Yale and New Haven community to demystify quantum physic and science in general, and to make it fun, in the hope to encourage new generations of students to consider a career in STEM. Florian is the creator and producer of the YQI Artist in Residence program and draws from his theater background to help create installations and exhibitions, live shows, album, and music videos. Florian received the 2024 Connecticut Science Center STEM Achievement Award for this program.

Florian is the Managing Director of the Yale Quantum Institute and holds an engineering diploma and a PhD in Energetics and Mechanics from Aix Marseille University, France.

He will be joining the French Quantum Startup Alice & Bob in 2027.

Get in touch in Florian

Advisory Panel

Michel Devoret - Emeritus Research Professor, Yale & Chief Scientist, Google Quantum AI
Ty Kamp - Assistant Director for The Yale Franke Program for Science and the Humanities, Yale
Martha W Lewis - Artist, New Haven CT
Spencer Topel - Artist, New York