Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian

Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian is a renowned London-based designer, artist, and filmmaker. Her creative works have been showcased at prestigious venues such as the National Museum of China, MOMA, V&A, and the MET. As the founder of the University of the Underground, she has pioneered a tuition-free postgraduate institution offering a Master in Design of Experiences degree. Her ventures in filmmaking have produced notable feature films like "Disaster Playground" in 2015, which delves into disaster emergency procedures, and "I am (not) a Monster" in 2019, a contemplative piece on the origins of knowledge. Her documentary "Red Moon" earned her a Sundance Institute grant in 2020. Additionally, she contributes to academia as a visiting professor at the Architectural Association School of Architecture and the Royal College of Art, holding a PhD in Human Geography and Political Philosophy from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Hayoun-Stépanian’s work spans multiple disciplines. She holds significant roles on the Advisory Council of METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and as a designer of experiences at the SETI Institute. Her interdisciplinary collaborations include working with prominent musicians and founding the International Space Orchestra (ISO), a unique ensemble of space scientists from institutions such as NASA Ames Research Center, Singularity University, International Space University, and the SETI Institute. This breadth of engagement underscores her commitment to bridging art, science, and space exploration.

As an Associate Fellow at the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities, Hayoun-Stépanian champions plurality and the freedom of thought. She holds several influential positions, including Vice Chair of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Technical Committee on the Cultural Utilization of Space (ITACCUS), member of the IAF Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC), and member of the IAA (International Academy of Astronautics) Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) permanent committee. In 2023, she helped establish the IAF Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Administrative (IDEA) Committee. Her leadership was further recognized in 2022 when she was awarded a Karman Fellowship, joining a select group of global leaders dedicated to advancing space-related agendas for humanity’s betterment.

In the business realm, Ben Hayoun-Stépanian served as the Chief of Experiences at WeTransfer for a decade, collaborating with President Damian Bradfield to cultivate a sustainable B Corp business. Her efforts in business development and strategy significantly contributed to WeTransfer's growth from 10,000 users to 90 million active users monthly. Her innovative approach has garnered widespread acclaim, with Icon Magazine naming her one of the 50 international designers shaping the future. In 2023, she was inducted into Design Week's Hall of Fame, receiving their Lifetime Achievement award for her substantial impact on the design industry and her inspirational, incisive thinking.