Kuwait

Zouz Al-Mahdi is an artist, writer, and filmmaker from Kuwait. Their work includes various art forms such as sketches, poems, and storytelling. They have a significant following on social media and are associated with other artists and creative individuals. // Zahra Al-Mahdi is an English Literature graduate from Kuwait University, College of Arts. She is an artist, writer, and filmmaker, known for her debut graphic novel "We, The Borrowed" published in 2016. Currently, she is working on her online miniseries "Bird Watch." // My approach in creating work is always storytelling from a Birds Eye perspective. I think my role in the world is make reflecting over painful/sensitive topics more palatable through edutainment. I take a mundane, day-to-day concept and dig deep into its history, to ask the right questions about its present form. Revealing that all that we are used to is not "natural" in the axiomatic sense. Thereby making sure that we never take "nature" for granted, and keep stirring our comforts with lively questions. // Zahra Al-Mahdi is an English Literature graduate known for her work as an artist, writer, and filmmaker. She gained recognition for her debut graphic novel "We, The Borrowed" and is currently engaged in creating an online miniseries titled "Bird Watch." Al-Mahdi's approach to storytelling involves exploring everyday concepts from a unique perspective, delving into their historical roots to provoke thought and reflection on sensitive topics. Through her work, she aims to blend education and entertainment to challenge societal norms and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. // Multimedia artist // Artist using satire, dark humor and tactile collage techniques to reveal the unintended impacts humans have on their societies and ecosystems. // TED Fellow Zahra Al-Mahdi was raised by screens -- "storytelling machines" like TV and the internet that shaped her sense of self and reality. Now a multimedia artist and filmmaker, she challenges common historical narratives and brings a multiplicity of perspectives to the surface. In this dynamic talk, Al-Mahdi traces her development as a storyteller using satire, dark humor and tactile collage techniques to expand what we think we know about ourselves. // Zahra Al-Mahdi is an English Literature graduate known for her work as an artist, writer, and filmmaker. She gained recognition for her debut graphic novel "We, The Borrowed" and is currently engaged in creating an online miniseries titled "Bird Watch." Al-Mahdi's approach to storytelling involves exploring everyday concepts from a unique perspective, delving into their historical roots to provoke thought and reflection on sensitive topics. Through her work, she aims to blend education and entertainment to challenge societal norms and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. // Multimedia artist // interdisciplinary artist, nature, birds, and filmmaker. , writer, ecosystem // Saudi Arabia|Berlin|Germany|Kuwait|Jeddah

Saudi Arabia|Berlin|Germany|Kuwait|Jeddah

United States

Filmmaker + composer // Twenty-year-old Kayla Briët explores themes of identity and self-discovery in multiple mediums of storytelling: film, multi-media arts, and music. Kayla’s short documentary, Smoke That Travels, immerses viewers in her native Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation heritage and explores fears that her culture may someday be forgotten. This film has screened and won awards at over 45 festivals internationally, including MoMA in NYC, and has been archived in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. As a multi-instrumentalist and self-taught composer, Kayla also scores her own films and creates music in styles ranging from cinematic to alternative pop to electronic. Her one-take, improvised live-score for director Ingrid Veninger's 80 minute feature film, "He Hated Pigeons," was performed at Outfest 2016 at the Director's Guild of America, and is described by The Hollywood Reporter as "a stirring mix of tribal themes, melodic delicacy and heartbeat percussion." She performs live as a one-woman band, with her keyboard, guitar, loop pedal, and guzheng zither, a traditional Chinese instrument. Recently, Kayla was named a 2017 TED Fellow, a 2016 Sundance Film Festival Ignite Fellow, 2016 Adobe Creativity Scholar, 2016 MIT Chamber Scholar for her interest in blockchain technology, and a 2016 Oculus Launch Pad Artist for virtual reality. Currently, she is creating and directing documentary and experimental film to preserve identities and culture, as well as immersive experiences in the virtual reality space. // Kayla Briët creates art that explores identity and self-discovery -- and the fear that her culture may someday be forgotten. She shares how she found her creative voice and reclaimed the stories of her Dutch-Indonesian, Chinese and Native American heritage by infusing them into film and music time capsules. // Twenty-year-old Kayla Briët explores themes of identity and self-discovery in multiple mediums of storytelling: film, multi-media arts, and music. Kayla’s short documentary, Smoke That Travels, immerses viewers in her native Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation heritage and explores fears that her culture may someday be forgotten. This film has screened and won awards at over 45 festivals internationally, including MoMA in NYC, and has been archived in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. As a multi-instrumentalist and self-taught composer, Kayla also scores her own films and creates music in styles ranging from cinematic to alternative pop to electronic. Her one-take, improvised live-score for director Ingrid Veninger's 80 minute feature film, "He Hated Pigeons," was performed at Outfest 2016 at the Director's Guild of America, and is described by The Hollywood Reporter as "a stirring mix of tribal themes, melodic delicacy and heartbeat percussion." She performs live as a one-woman band, with her keyboard, guitar, loop pedal, and guzheng zither, a traditional Chinese instrument. Recently, Kayla was named a 2017 TED Fellow, a 2016 Sundance Film Festival Ignite Fellow, 2016 Adobe Creativity Scholar, 2016 MIT Chamber Scholar for her interest in blockchain technology, and a 2016 Oculus Launch Pad Artist for virtual reality. Currently, she is creating and directing documentary and experimental film to preserve identities and culture, as well as immersive experiences in the virtual reality space. // Filmmaker + composer // technology, native prairie, music, film, creative technology, design, education, arts, blockchain, world-building, virtual reality, liberatory design, community organizing, documentary, composing // Los Angeles|Cambridge|Taiwan|USA|California|United States|Taipei|Massachusetts

Los Angeles|Cambridge|Taiwan|USA|California|United States|Taipei|Massachusetts

Pakistan

Social entrepreneur // Dr. Asher Hasan is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NAYA JEEVAN (http://www.njfk.org), a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing socio-economically disadvantaged families throughout the emerging world with affordable access to quality, catastrophic healthcare. Asher is a 2009 member of the Clinton Global Initiative, a TED Fellow and a Draper Richards Social Entrepreneur Fellow for 2009-2011 that is accompanied with a $300,000 award. In addition, NAYA JEEVAN is also the recipient of a $75,000 1st prize in the 2008 NYU Social Entrepreneurship Business Plan competition. Prior to launching NAYA JEEVAN, Asher served in the capacity of Senior Director and Head of the US Medical Affairs Obesity team for Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. During his tenure in the biopharmaceutical industry, Asher also completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from New York University’s Stern School of Business. After migrating to the US, Asher attended Oberlin College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and biology with an additional concentration in international relations. Subsequently, Asher moved to Harvard Medical School where he worked as a preclinical researcher along with a group of vascular surgeons at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Graduating from medical school summa cum laude, Asher went on to train in General Surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. In addition to his affiliation with the biotech/pharmaceutical industry in the US, Asher is an active member of NAASO-The Obesity Society, the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. He has also served as a board member of the US National Business Group on Health: Institute on Cost & Effects of Obesity. // Dr. Asher Hasan is a digital health innovator and serial entrepreneur. Asher is the CoFounder & Executive Chairman of doctHERs (http://www.docthers.com), the emerging world's first women-centred, gender-inclusive telemedicine company. Asher is also the Founder of NAYA JEEVAN (http://www.njfk.org), a hybrid social enterprise dedicated to providing socio-economically disadvantaged families throughout the emerging world with affordable access to quality, catastrophic healthcare. Asher served on the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council for Social Innovation for 2012-2014. He is a 2011 World Economic Forum/Schwab Foundation Asian Social Entrepreneur of the Year, a 2013 Synergos Senior Fellow, a 2009 TED India fellow, a 2011 Ashoka US fellow, a 2011 Ariane de Rothschild fellow and an invited member of the Clinton Global Initiative for 2014, 2010 and 2009. He has also been selected as an Asia 21 young leader in 2010. In addition, doctHERs is a winning finalist of the 2017 MIT SOLVE competition in the women & tech category and the winner of the Start-up Track at the 2017 World Health Summit (Berlin) . In 2016, doctHERs was a recipient the Judge's Choice Award in the MIT Inclusive Innovation Competition. In 2013, NAYA JEEVAN was recognised with the prestigious, Rockefeller Foundation Centennial Innovation Award and the Asia Society Public Service Award. Prior to launching NAYA JEEVAN, Asher served in the capacity of Senior Director and Head of the US Medical Affairs team (Obesity drugs portfolio) for Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company in San Diego, CA. He spent six years at Sanofi as a Medical Director in their US headquarters. During his tenure in New York City, Asher also completed an MBA in Global Business & Leadership from New York University’s Stern School of Business. In his hey-dey, Asher attended Oberlin College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and biology with an additional concentration in international relations. This was followed by research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital followed by training in general surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center. Asher can often be seen hurtling down alpine ski slopes, is a voracious reader and loves to cruise the Caribbean. Istanbul, Bali, Bellagio and Rio de Janeiro are his favourite destinations for spiritual rejuvenation. // One of a dozen Pakistanis who came to TEDIndia despite security hassles entering the country, TED Fellow Asher Hasan shows photos of ordinary Pakistanis that drive home a profound message for citizens of all nations: look beyond disputes, and see the humanity we share. // Dr. Asher Hasan is a digital health innovator and serial entrepreneur. Asher is the CoFounder & Executive Chairman of doctHERs (http://www.docthers.com), the emerging world's first women-centred, gender-inclusive telemedicine company. Asher is also the Founder of NAYA JEEVAN (http://www.njfk.org), a hybrid social enterprise dedicated to providing socio-economically disadvantaged families throughout the emerging world with affordable access to quality, catastrophic healthcare. Asher served on the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council for Social Innovation for 2012-2014. He is a 2011 World Economic Forum/Schwab Foundation Asian Social Entrepreneur of the Year, a 2013 Synergos Senior Fellow, a 2009 TED India fellow, a 2011 Ashoka US fellow, a 2011 Ariane de Rothschild fellow and an invited member of the Clinton Global Initiative for 2014, 2010 and 2009. He has also been selected as an Asia 21 young leader in 2010. In addition, doctHERs is a winning finalist of the 2017 MIT SOLVE competition in the women & tech category and the winner of the Start-up Track at the 2017 World Health Summit (Berlin) . In 2016, doctHERs was a recipient the Judge's Choice Award in the MIT Inclusive Innovation Competition. In 2013, NAYA JEEVAN was recognised with the prestigious, Rockefeller Foundation Centennial Innovation Award and the Asia Society Public Service Award. Prior to launching NAYA JEEVAN, Asher served in the capacity of Senior Director and Head of the US Medical Affairs team (Obesity drugs portfolio) for Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company in San Diego, CA. He spent six years at Sanofi as a Medical Director in their US headquarters. During his tenure in New York City, Asher also completed an MBA in Global Business & Leadership from New York University’s Stern School of Business. In his hey-dey, Asher attended Oberlin College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and biology with an additional concentration in international relations. This was followed by research at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital followed by training in general surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center. Asher can often be seen hurtling down alpine ski slopes, is a voracious reader and loves to cruise the Caribbean. Istanbul, Bali, Bellagio and Rio de Janeiro are his favourite destinations for spiritual rejuvenation. // Social entrepreneur // technology, triple bottom line, telemedicine, entrepreneurship, diagonal thinking, job skills training, social entrepreneurship, research, inclusion, design, women, medicine and surgery, impact investing, diabetes, affordable, biotech, human-centred design thinking, pharmaceutical development, cardiovascular diseases, biotechnology, compassionate capitalism, disease // Karachi|Sindh|Pakistan

Karachi|Sindh|Pakistan

Applied mathematician // Mathematician whose research includes a breakthrough technique to monitor – and potentially screen for – Parkinson's disease through voice recordings alone // A data scientist with a background in math and stats, Max helps accelerate the search for cures for diseases such as Parkinson's by inventing radically simple, non-invasive technologies to measure symptoms outside the clinic. He developed algorithms that quantify Parkinson's symptoms using 30-second voice recordings, displacing expensive in-clinic physical exams. These algorithms detect Parkinson's signs in newly diagnosed patients to 98% accuracy, and work over the mobile phone network. Max is working to apply these algorithms to the environmental causes of disease: genetics is making extraordinary progress, but explains only a small part of the medical picture. By making these algorithms accessible to the global population where mobile phones currently have 75% reach, they could help fill in the massive hole in medical understanding about why one person gets ill but others do not. // Parkinson's disease affects 6.3 million people worldwide, causing weakness and tremors, but there's no objective way to detect it early on. Yet. Applied mathematician and TED Fellow Max Little is testing a simple, cheap tool that in trials is able to detect Parkinson's with 99 percent accuracy -- in a 30-second phone call. // A data scientist with a background in math and stats, Max helps accelerate the search for cures for diseases such as Parkinson's by inventing radically simple, non-invasive technologies to measure symptoms outside the clinic. He developed algorithms that quantify Parkinson's symptoms using 30-second voice recordings, displacing expensive in-clinic physical exams. These algorithms detect Parkinson's signs in newly diagnosed patients to 98% accuracy, and work over the mobile phone network. Max is working to apply these algorithms to the environmental causes of disease: genetics is making extraordinary progress, but explains only a small part of the medical picture. By making these algorithms accessible to the global population where mobile phones currently have 75% reach, they could help fill in the massive hole in medical understanding about why one person gets ill but others do not. // Applied mathematician // research, technology, mobile phones, statistics, signal processing, monitoring, data, programming, disease, applied mathematics

United States

Interface designer + engineer // Jinha Lee is an interface designer, engineer, and researcher working at the boundary of the physical and digital world. He is exploring ways to employ our innate kinesthetic and sensory skills to interact with the world of data by seamlessly weaving digital information into physical space and material. Jinha is currently on leave from his Ph.D. studies at MIT Media Lab and is leading a team to design TV interfaces at Samsung Electronics in lieu of his national military duty. His recent inventions include <a href = "http://www.leejinha.com/spacetop">Spacetop - gesture controlled 3D desktop OS</a>, <a href = "http://www.leejinha.com/zeron">levitating tangible interface</a>, and <a href = "http://www.leejinha.com/beyond">a pen that penetrates into the screen</a>. Previously, Jinha has co-founded Eone, a tactile watch brand for "everyone" including the visually impaired, conducted research at <a href = "http://www.sonycsl.co.jp/">SONY</a> and Microsoft, and received his B.E. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Tokyo. His works have been presented and exhibited at most respected academic conferences and museums, and have received recognition through serious <a href = "http://exhibition.ifdesign.de/entrydetails_en.html?beitrag_id=122504">design</a> and innovation awards. Recently, Jinha has awarded TED 2013 fellowship. // Jinha Lee is a Korean designer, inventor and entrepreneur. He is co-founder and chief product officer of Spatial, a metaverse for creators and artists. Prior to founding Spatial, At MIT and Microsoft, Jinha developed SpaceTop, a pioneering 3D AR computer that allows people to reach inside the screen. His project ZeroN - a physical pixel that levitates and moves freely about, allowed people to physically manipulate 3D data. These projects became viral and brought him to the TED stage in 2013. An advocate for inclusive design, he co-designed Bradley Timepiece, an innovative tactile wristwatch for the blind. Bradley Timepieces was one of the most successful projects on Kickstarter’s design category in 2013 and was awarded with Red Dot Design award. At Samsung, he led the redesign of Samsung Smart TVs, turning them into a platform for collaboration and artistic data visualization. In 2015, he was promoted to be the Principal designer and appointed as head of Interaction Group at age 27, making him the youngest Group Leader in corporate history. Jinha was named one of the "35 innovators under 35" by the MIT Technology Review, and one of the "32 greatest living designers" by Fast Company, and was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum. Born in Seoul, Korea, Jinha has a Master’s degree in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT (Media Lab) and completed his undergrad with a bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering from the University of Tokyo. // The border between our physical world and the digital information surrounding us has been getting thinner and thinner. Designer and engineer Jinha Lee wants to dissolve it altogether. As he demonstrates in this short, gasp-inducing talk, his ideas include a pen that penetrates into a screen to draw 3D models and SpaceTop, a computer desktop prototype that lets you reach through the screen to manipulate digital objects. // Jinha Lee is a Korean designer, inventor and entrepreneur. He is co-founder and chief product officer of Spatial, a metaverse for creators and artists. Prior to founding Spatial, At MIT and Microsoft, Jinha developed SpaceTop, a pioneering 3D AR computer that allows people to reach inside the screen. His project ZeroN - a physical pixel that levitates and moves freely about, allowed people to physically manipulate 3D data. These projects became viral and brought him to the TED stage in 2013. An advocate for inclusive design, he co-designed Bradley Timepiece, an innovative tactile wristwatch for the blind. Bradley Timepieces was one of the most successful projects on Kickstarter’s design category in 2013 and was awarded with Red Dot Design award. At Samsung, he led the redesign of Samsung Smart TVs, turning them into a platform for collaboration and artistic data visualization. In 2015, he was promoted to be the Principal designer and appointed as head of Interaction Group at age 27, making him the youngest Group Leader in corporate history. Jinha was named one of the "35 innovators under 35" by the MIT Technology Review, and one of the "32 greatest living designers" by Fast Company, and was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum. Born in Seoul, Korea, Jinha has a Master’s degree in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT (Media Lab) and completed his undergrad with a bachelor’s in Electronic Engineering from the University of Tokyo. // Interface designer + engineer // research, technology, data visualization, inclusion, interaction design, design, led, advocacy, data, human computer interaction, korea // New York|United States|USA

New York|United States|USA

Chile

United States

Harvard Medical School; Vestaron Corporation; Boston Children's Hospital; AI Proteins; University of Maine; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Institute for Protein Innovation; OncoPep, Inc.; TED Conferences

AI Proteins is a company focused on re-imagining protein-based medicines through the design and development of miniproteins with ideal therapeutic characteristics. Their proprietary platform leverages synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to rapidly create specific, durable, and cost-effective miniprotein medicines. The company's de novo design capabilities allow for the creation of patentable miniproteins with desirable characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. AI Proteins has identified novel candidates for various therapeutic targets and is advancing their pipeline in oncology while exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas. Their innovative approach involves engineering miniproteins for preclinical development in a short timeframe, utilizing technologies like yeast display, phage display, and deep saturation mutagenesis. The company's focus on creating miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity positions them as an ideal therapeutic modality with potential applications in various medical fields. // Division of Hematology/Oncology // Harvard Medical School; Vestaron Corporation; Boston Children's Hospital; AI Proteins; University of Maine; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Institute for Protein Innovation; OncoPep, Inc.; TED Conferences // Proteins are nano-robots that are amazingly capable tools to make the world better, and the ability to create new functional proteins is being dramatically accelerated by the use of artificial intelligence. We can create groundbreaking therapies that are safer, more effective, and more accessible through protein design. I founded and am currently the President, and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins. This is a Boston based biotech company working to create safer, more effective, more accessible medicines to treat a wide array of illnesses, from cancer to inflammatory disease to obesity. I am also working to spread knowledge and access to expertise in computational protein design. The computational tools from my field have the power to make molecules that change the world, and we need to make sure that everyone is armed with the ability and understanding to use them. I founded and organize the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club http://bpdmc.org/ and I also co-founded and co-organized The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Protein Design https://www.ai4pd.org/ // Chris Bahl is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins, a Boston-based biotech company at the forefront of re-imagining protein-based medicines through innovative design and development of miniproteins. Leveraging synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, AI Proteins creates patentable miniproteins with specific therapeutic characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. Chris's work focuses on advancing the company's pipeline in oncology and exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas by engineering miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, he is dedicated to spreading knowledge in computational protein design through initiatives like the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club and The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Protein Design. // Protein designer // Molecular engineer using computational design to develop new protein drugs that combat infectious disease. // Chris is the co-founder and CSO of AI Proteins, a biotechnology company focused on designing new protein-based medicines, as well as the creation of novel technologies that accelerate drug discovery. // Some common life-saving medicines, such as insulin, are made of proteins so large and fragile that they need to be injected instead of ingested as pills. But a new generation of medicine -- made from smaller, more durable proteins known as peptides -- is on its way. In a quick, informative talk, molecular engineer and TED Fellow Christopher Bahl explains how he's using computational design to create powerful peptides that could one day neutralize the flu, protect against botulism poisoning and even stop cancer cells from growing. // Chris Bahl is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins, a Boston-based biotech company at the forefront of re-imagining protein-based medicines through innovative design and development of miniproteins. Leveraging synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, AI Proteins creates patentable miniproteins with specific therapeutic characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. Chris's work focuses on advancing the company's pipeline in oncology and exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas by engineering miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, he is dedicated to spreading knowledge in computational protein design through initiatives like the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club and The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Protein Design. // Protein designer // technology, oncology, automation, inflammation, protein engineering, biochemistry, infectious disease, design, viruses, protein design, robotics, biotech, protein structure, ai, synthetic biology, structural biology, artificial intelligence, therapeutics, disease // Boston|Massachusetts|United States|USA

Boston|Massachusetts|United States|USA

Pakistan

TED Conferences; Mano Animation Studios; Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture; Berklee College of Music

Usman Riaz is an artist, animator, and composer who is also a TED Senior Fellow. He is the Co-Founder and Director of Mano Animation Studios. Usman Riaz is known for his work on the animated feature film "The Glassworker," which is set to premiere in Pakistan in July 2024. The film tells the story of a father and son whose lives are disrupted by an impending war and the arrival of an army colonel and his daughter. Usman Riaz's dedication to his craft is evident in the detailed storyboarding he did for the film // As the co-founder and director of Mano Animation Studios, I have been working to produce our first feature film, The Glassworker, for over eight years. The Glassworker is a hand-drawn animated film that explores the themes of love, war, and art. I am also a TED Senior Fellow, a program that recognizes and supports visionary leaders who are making a positive impact in their fields and communities. Through TED, I have been able to share my vision and insights on music, animation, storytelling, and social change with global audiences and collaborators. My goal is to inspire and empower people through the power of animation and art. // ‘The Glassworker’ is an original story about young Vincent and his father Tomas, who run the finest glass workshop in the country and find their lives upended by an approaching war in which they want no part. The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his young talented, violinist daughter, Alliz, shakes their reality and tests the relationship between father and son. The love that develops between Vincent and Alliz is challenged constantly by the differing views of their fathers. It is a time when patriotism and social standing are considered more important than free thought and artistic pursuits. It is a time when love is just not relevant. Set in a location loosely inspired by Pakistan, ‘The Glassworker’ is a hand- drawn animated feature film for a family audience. // The Glassworker (شیشہ گر) is a film by Mano Animation Studios, directed by Usman Riaz. A coming-of-age story about two children from separate walks of life, set in the fictitious Waterfront Town. Vincent is an apprentice Glass Blower learning from his father in their Glass Shop. Alliz is a prodigious violinist striving to find her own unique voice on the instrument. The film will comment on the affects of war on children and follow both characters through their formative years as life gets more complicated and inhibits their friendship. // TED Conferences; Mano Animation Studios; Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture; Berklee College of Music // Usman Riaz is a visionary leader in the field of animation and storytelling, known for his work as the co-founder and director of Mano Animation Studios. With over eight years dedicated to producing the hand-drawn animated feature film, "The Glassworker," Usman explores themes of love, war, and art through his creative endeavors. As a TED Senior Fellow, he shares his insights on music, animation, and social change with global audiences, aiming to inspire and empower individuals through the transformative power of art. Usman's work delves into the complexities of relationships, societal norms, and the impact of war on children, encapsulating poignant narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. // I made Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated film 'The Glassworker' - a 10 year Labor of Love that has been recognised at some of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, including ANNECY, (I gave a talk at Cannes and the film screened in their film market) Shanghai International Film Festival and the Hiroshima Animation Festival as of June 2024. More to come. I hope to keep making films that can inspire people to pursue their dreams. // Usman Riaz is a multi-talented artist, animator, and composer, recognized for his exceptional work in the field of animation and storytelling. As the Co-Founder and Director of Mano Animation Studios, he has dedicated over a decade to producing the hand-drawn animated feature film, "The Glassworker," which intricately explores themes of love, war, and art. Usman's commitment to his craft is evident in the detailed storyboarding for the film, which has garnered international acclaim at prestigious film festivals such as ANNECY, Shanghai International Film Festival, and the Hiroshima Animation Festival. As a TED Senior Fellow, he shares his profound insights on music, animation, and social change, aiming to inspire and empower audiences globally through the transformative power of art. Usman's poignant narratives delve into the complexities of relationships, societal norms, and the impact of war on children, resonating with viewers worldwide and paving the way for future creative endeavors that aim to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams. // Animator + Composer // I began playing classical piano at the age of six and taught myself to play a variety of instruments using the internet as a learning tool.

 I am a composer, filmmaker and visual artist. After TED Global I have been traveling all over the world sharing my artwork and music with audiences to emphasize how we can use multimedia around us to further our talents. // Usman Riaz is a composer, film director, scriptwriter and animator born in Pakistan. Usman received a full scholarship to study Composition & Performance at the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, United States. Before that he also had studied Graphic Design at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi, Pakistan. As music composer he has published the Albums 'Flashes & Sparks' with EMI Pakistan in 2011 and 'Circus in the Sky with EMI Pakistan in 2012. He has written, directed and scored the live action short film 'RUCKUS' that premiered at TED Global 2012 and took part at SXSW 2013 and also the live action short film 'The Waves' that was an Official Selection at the 2013 New York City Independent Film Festival. The Glassworker will be his first feature and not only did he write the original story but also worked as scriptwriter with Moya O'Shea and produced the full storyboard and animatic himself. At 21 he was selected as a TED Fellow in 2012. He performed and spoke about his work at TED Global 2012, playing percussive guitar alongside master Preston Reed after he had learnt to play by watching videos on YouTube. He was selected as a TED Senior Fellow in 2013 and has spoken at TED and TED Conferences in Japan, India, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Turkey, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. // Singer Amanda Palmer pays tribute to the inimitable David Bowie with a cover of "Space Oddity." She's joined onstage by Jherek Bischoff, TED Fellow Usman Riaz and, no, your eyes are not deceiving you, none other than former Vice President Al Gore. // Usman Riaz is a 21-year-old whiz at the percussive guitar, a style he learned to play by watching his heroes on YouTube. The TED Fellow plays onstage at TEDGlobal 2012 -- followed by a jawdropping solo from the master of percussive guitar, Preston Reed. And watch these two guitarists take on a very spur-of-the-moment improv. // Usman Riaz is a multi-talented artist, animator, and composer, recognized for his exceptional work in the field of animation and storytelling. As the Co-Founder and Director of Mano Animation Studios, he has dedicated over a decade to producing the hand-drawn animated feature film, "The Glassworker," which intricately explores themes of love, war, and art. Usman's commitment to his craft is evident in the detailed storyboarding for the film, which has garnered international acclaim at prestigious film festivals such as ANNECY, Shanghai International Film Festival, and the Hiroshima Animation Festival. As a TED Senior Fellow, he shares his profound insights on music, animation, and social change, aiming to inspire and empower audiences globally through the transformative power of art. Usman's poignant narratives delve into the complexities of relationships, societal norms, and the impact of war on children, resonating with viewers worldwide and paving the way for future creative endeavors that aim to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams. // Animator + Composer // children, music, film - directing, glass, film, editing, music composer, music performer, design, animation, performance, architecture, writing, war, art, producing // Los Angeles|Sindh|USA|California|Pakistan|Karachi

Los Angeles|Sindh|USA|California|Pakistan|Karachi

United States

Harvard Medical School; Vestaron Corporation; Boston Children's Hospital; AI Proteins; University of Maine; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Institute for Protein Innovation; OncoPep, Inc.; TED Conferences

AI Proteins is a company focused on re-imagining protein-based medicines through the design and development of miniproteins with ideal therapeutic characteristics. Their proprietary platform leverages synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to rapidly create specific, durable, and cost-effective miniprotein medicines. The company's de novo design capabilities allow for the creation of patentable miniproteins with desirable characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. AI Proteins has identified novel candidates for various therapeutic targets and is advancing their pipeline in oncology while exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas. Their innovative approach involves engineering miniproteins for preclinical development in a short timeframe, utilizing technologies like yeast display, phage display, and deep saturation mutagenesis. The company's focus on creating miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity positions them as an ideal therapeutic modality with potential applications in various medical fields. // Division of Hematology/Oncology // Harvard Medical School; Vestaron Corporation; Boston Children's Hospital; AI Proteins; University of Maine; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Institute for Protein Innovation; OncoPep, Inc.; TED Conferences // Proteins are nano-robots that are amazingly capable tools to make the world better, and the ability to create new functional proteins is being dramatically accelerated by the use of artificial intelligence. We can create groundbreaking therapies that are safer, more effective, and more accessible through protein design. I founded and am currently the President, and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins. This is a Boston based biotech company working to create safer, more effective, more accessible medicines to treat a wide array of illnesses, from cancer to inflammatory disease to obesity. I am also working to spread knowledge and access to expertise in computational protein design. The computational tools from my field have the power to make molecules that change the world, and we need to make sure that everyone is armed with the ability and understanding to use them. I founded and organize the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club http://bpdmc.org/ and I also co-founded and co-organized The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Protein Design https://www.ai4pd.org/ // Chris Bahl is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins, a Boston-based biotech company at the forefront of re-imagining protein-based medicines through innovative design and development of miniproteins. Leveraging synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, AI Proteins creates patentable miniproteins with specific therapeutic characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. Chris's work focuses on advancing the company's pipeline in oncology and exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas by engineering miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, he is dedicated to spreading knowledge in computational protein design through initiatives like the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club and The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Protein Design. // Protein designer // Molecular engineer using computational design to develop new protein drugs that combat infectious disease. // Chris is the co-founder and CSO of AI Proteins, a biotechnology company focused on designing new protein-based medicines, as well as the creation of novel technologies that accelerate drug discovery. // Some common life-saving medicines, such as insulin, are made of proteins so large and fragile that they need to be injected instead of ingested as pills. But a new generation of medicine -- made from smaller, more durable proteins known as peptides -- is on its way. In a quick, informative talk, molecular engineer and TED Fellow Christopher Bahl explains how he's using computational design to create powerful peptides that could one day neutralize the flu, protect against botulism poisoning and even stop cancer cells from growing. // Chris Bahl is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of AI Proteins, a Boston-based biotech company at the forefront of re-imagining protein-based medicines through innovative design and development of miniproteins. Leveraging synthetic biology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, AI Proteins creates patentable miniproteins with specific therapeutic characteristics, combining small molecules and biologics. Chris's work focuses on advancing the company's pipeline in oncology and exploring partnerships in other therapeutic areas by engineering miniproteins with selective binding, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, he is dedicated to spreading knowledge in computational protein design through initiatives like the Boston Protein Design and Modeling Club and The Latin American Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Protein Design. // Protein designer // technology, oncology, automation, inflammation, protein engineering, biochemistry, infectious disease, design, viruses, protein design, robotics, biotech, protein structure, ai, synthetic biology, structural biology, artificial intelligence, therapeutics, disease // Boston|Massachusetts|United States|USA

Boston|Massachusetts|United States|USA

Russian Federation

Photographer + visual artist // Russian photographer who asks ordinary people she meets in her travels to model for elaborately staged, costumed, surreal portraits. Full of color, whimsy and drama, her images tell the story of their inner worlds. // Uldus Vildanovna Bakhtiozina is a Russian born artist and film director, known as the one who challenges stereotypes through her work. Uldus is a woman of the year at Top 100 Women of 2014 year according to BBC channel. She is the first Russian speaker in the history of TED with talks in 2014 and 2017. Bakhtiozina's works have world recognition by such magazines as Vogue Italy, Aesthetica, Creative Review, Worbz Magazine and medias as CNN and BBC. Uldus's works are exhibited worldwide (London, Saint-Petersburg, Milan, Brussels, Moscow, Hong-Kong, Berlin, Istanbul), located in private collections, museums (Faberge Museum in Saint-Petersburg, Russia), foundations ( RUYA, Ruya Foundation for Contemporary Culture in Iraq). Bakhtiozina's works are largely exhibited through the group exhibitions among such artists as Marina Abramovic, Jan Fabre, Damien Hirst and Yoko Ono. In 2016 Vogue Italy named Uldus the best young fashion photographer. In 2017 Uldus became the finalist of prestigious Laguna Art Prize. Since 2017 Uldus producing and directing films, both art and fashion. She works as an artist and costume designer with such organisations as Royal Opera House and Rambert. Living artistic life between art, fashion and film, in 2019 Uldus became an official ambassador of WomenInCulture and ambassador of Gucci Beauty, keep sharing her ideas and experience through lectures and visionary works. // With her gorgeous, haunting photographs, artist Uldus Bakhtiozina documents dreams, working with daily life as she imagines it could be. She creates everything in her work by hand -- from costumes to stages -- without digital manipulation, bringing us images from the land of escapism, where anyone can become something else. // Artist Uldus Bakhtiozina uses photographs to poke fun at societal norms in her native Russia. A glimpse into Russian youth culture and a short, fun reminder not to take ourselves too seriously. // Uldus Vildanovna Bakhtiozina is a Russian born artist and film director, known as the one who challenges stereotypes through her work. Uldus is a woman of the year at Top 100 Women of 2014 year according to BBC channel. She is the first Russian speaker in the history of TED with talks in 2014 and 2017. Bakhtiozina's works have world recognition by such magazines as Vogue Italy, Aesthetica, Creative Review, Worbz Magazine and medias as CNN and BBC. Uldus's works are exhibited worldwide (London, Saint-Petersburg, Milan, Brussels, Moscow, Hong-Kong, Berlin, Istanbul), located in private collections, museums (Faberge Museum in Saint-Petersburg, Russia), foundations ( RUYA, Ruya Foundation for Contemporary Culture in Iraq). Bakhtiozina's works are largely exhibited through the group exhibitions among such artists as Marina Abramovic, Jan Fabre, Damien Hirst and Yoko Ono. In 2016 Vogue Italy named Uldus the best young fashion photographer. In 2017 Uldus became the finalist of prestigious Laguna Art Prize. Since 2017 Uldus producing and directing films, both art and fashion. She works as an artist and costume designer with such organisations as Royal Opera House and Rambert. Living artistic life between art, fashion and film, in 2019 Uldus became an official ambassador of WomenInCulture and ambassador of Gucci Beauty, keep sharing her ideas and experience through lectures and visionary works. // Photographer + visual artist // photography, design, set design, youth, land, moving image, women, art direction // Russian Federation|Saint Petersburg|Russia

Russian Federation|Saint Petersburg|Russia

Singapore

Mothers in Science; DHI; Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Philippines, PHYSALUS; National University of Singapore

Mei Lin Neo is a Marine Ecologist, Science Communicator, TED Fellow, WEF Young Scientist, and advocate for Mothers in Science. She is known as the "Giant Clam Girl" due to her research on giant clams, which are the world's largest living marine bivalves. Mei Lin's work involves advancing mariculture for tropical marine organisms, including sea snails. Her research team has achieved significant milestones in the reproduction and husbandry of cowries, a type of sea snail. Mei Lin is actively involved in various conferences, symposiums, and workshops related to marine conservation, science communication, and sustainability. She has also been featured in media outlets for her work, such as documentaries, publications, and public speaking engagements. Additionally, Mei Lin is engaged in educational outreach, sharing her passion for marine conservation and the natural world with a global audience. // Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore• Responsible for the development and management of numerous research projects focusing on the conservation research of the giant clams, invertebrate larval reproduction and ecology (i.e. giant clams, sea urchins), science communication and citizen science, marine plastic pollution, etc.• Oversees the science communication efforts at the institute, through developing outreach and education programmes, co-organising school camps, giving public talks, etc. // Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore• Responsible for the project “Giant clam (family Tridacnidae) conservation in Singapore: Re-introducing Tridacna gigas, the world’s largest living bivalve mollusc”.• Carried out research resulting in the transplantation of cultured giant clams onto Singapore’s reefs for restocking purposes.• Developed outreach materials to share about the giant clam species and its natural history in Singapore.• Participated in outreach talks to promote awareness of giant clam conservation research in Singapore. // Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of SingaporeBased at the St John's Island National Marine Laboratory (sjinml.nus.edu.sg) // • Climate Change Project.• To conduct comprehensive search for journal and grey publications, and summarise key information gleaned from publication search.• To support the technical team.• To assist in creating a climate change database. // • Whale shark project – conducted field research to examine the effects of provisioning on whale shark behaviour in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines.• Education campaigns for local elementary schools.• Community mural painting. // • Tutored undergraduate modules in Biodiversity (LSM1103), Animal Behaviour (LSM1301), Ecology and Environment (LSM2251), Ecology of Aquatic Environments (LSM3254), Life Form and Function (LSM3261), Marine Biology (LSM4261), Field Studies in Biodiversity (LSM4263), and Topics in Aquatic Biodiversity (LSM4266).• Mentored and supervised students in the Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory for Honours and UROPS research projects. // • Restocking of giant clams in Singapore // Mothers in Science; DHI; Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Philippines, PHYSALUS; National University of Singapore // Mei Lin Neo is a dedicated marine scientist with a focus on conservation research, particularly in the areas of giant clam species, invertebrate larval reproduction, and marine plastic pollution. With a background in leading research projects at the Tropical Marine Science Institute at the National University of Singapore, Mei Lin has been instrumental in initiatives such as the reintroduction of Tridacna gigas, the world's largest bivalve mollusc, to Singaporean reefs. Mei Lin's expertise also extends to science communication and citizen science, where she has developed outreach programs and educational materials to raise awareness about marine conservation. With a strong commitment to academia, Mei Lin has also contributed to teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in various biology and ecology modules. // Right now, I’m using various science communication tools to engage with local communities on marine conservation. My work still heavily revolves around the conservation of giant clams, and using them as a model to drive meaningful conservation impacts. // Mei Lin Neo is a Marine Ecologist and Science Communicator known for her research on giant clams and other tropical marine organisms. Her work focuses on advancing mariculture techniques and conservation efforts for these species, including sea snails. Mei Lin has made significant contributions to the reproduction and husbandry of cowries, a type of sea snail, and has been actively involved in marine conservation initiatives. She is dedicated to science communication and educational outreach, using various platforms to engage with global audiences on marine conservation issues. Mei Lin's expertise also extends to citizen science and mentoring undergraduate students in biology and ecology. // Marine biologist // Affectionately called the 'giant clam girl', Mei Lin is studying the endangered giant clams of the Indo-Pacific oceans, and promoting ways to protect these rare marine species from going extinct. Beginning her work ten years ago in Singapore, she spearheaded the Singapore's giant clam breeding and restocking program in 2011 during her Ph.D. Mei Lin now oversees the transplantation of baby clams in Singapore's reefs, and monitors their growth and survivorship. She hopes to use science communication to inspire others to join her in protecting the oceans. Mei Lin has received several honors and awards for her research efforts such as the World Future Foundation PhD Prize in Environment and Sustainability (2014), the L'Oréal for Women in Science National Fellowship (2015), The Singapore's Women Weekly Great Women of our Time honoree (2015), Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 (2016), a Young Scientist at the World Economic Forum (2016, 2017), AsianScientist 100 (2017). Mei Lin is recently named a TED Fellow (2017)! // When you think about the deep blue sea, you might instantly think of whales or coral reefs. But spare a thought for giant clams, the world's largest living shellfish. These incredible creatures can live to 100, grow up to four and a half feet long and weigh as much as three baby elephants. In this charming talk, marine biologist Mei Lin Neo shares why she's obsessively trying to turn these legendary sea creatures into heroes of the oceans. // Mei Lin Neo is a Marine Ecologist and Science Communicator known for her research on giant clams and other tropical marine organisms. Her work focuses on advancing mariculture techniques and conservation efforts for these species, including sea snails. Mei Lin has made significant contributions to the reproduction and husbandry of cowries, a type of sea snail, and has been actively involved in marine conservation initiatives. She is dedicated to science communication and educational outreach, using various platforms to engage with global audiences on marine conservation issues. Mei Lin's expertise also extends to citizen science and mentoring undergraduate students in biology and ecology. // Marine biologist // water, education, biodiversity, water quality, mariculture, coastal, data, geospatial analysis, research, climate, design, citizen scientist, marine biology, resource conservation, coral reefs, species, coral, aquatic, women, oceans, pollution, marine plastic pollution, giant clams, education and outreach, marine research, marine conservation, advocacy, environmental impact, island, campaigns, conservation, plastic, plastic pollution, science communication, whale shark, science, oceanography, local communities, communication, aquatic ecosystems, ecology, marine ecology, marine laboratory // Singapore

Singapore

Morocco

World Health Organization; University of Washington; Harvard Medical School; Wellesley College; Jhpiego; TEDMED; MEDICC - Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba; Country Doctor Community Health Clinics; Just Human Productions; Arc Health; TED Conferences; RoundGlass; ZocDoc

Nassim Assefi is a physician, global health specialist, health tech strategist, content curator, civic innovator, and novelist. She has a diverse background in internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, human rights, and public health. Nassim has worked on various projects ranging from COVID-19 advising to primary care health strategies for low-income countries and human rights medicine. She has authored novels exploring complex themes and has experience in academic and consulting roles. Nassim has a strong presence in global health missions and has lived in multiple countries across continents. She is a TED fellow and has received several awards and fellowships for her work. // As a global health physician, novelist, creative curator, and civic activist, I live at the intersection of many worlds. My primary care doctoring is a blend of internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, and travel medicine. During the pandemic, I was a full-time primary care doctor at Lummi Nation in 2021. My novels (Aria, published by Harcourt and 5 other foreign language presses, and forthcoming Kabubble) aim to bridge the gaps between East and West. In the fall of 2018, I returned from a blissful, year-long, creative sabbatical, during which time I was a visiting professor at Nagasaki University's School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health and immersed in Arabic study in Morocco. I loved it so much that I returned to Rabat as a base for my global health and refugee integration work. During a year home in the US, I was a medical and strategic advisor at a well-being company with a portfolio of 30+ projects, a perfect fit for a philomath with a broad background who loves big-picture thinking. My long-term dream is to design a regenerative village project that integrates refugees/migrants and studies how diverse, vulnerable populations can thrive together in a sustainable, rural context. My last big creative job was as Director of Stage Content for TEDMED, leading speaker and performer selection and coaching for TEDMED's annual event. I also consult in the health-tech sector and for global health organizations, defend human rights in a medical context, write and speak, and volunteer with the TED conferences (I've been a TEDGlobal Fellow since 2009). More distant past incarnations include: medical academic at the University of Washington in Seattle, health development worker (and underground salsa dance teacher) in Afghanistan, aspiring musician in Cuba, and artistic nomad in Turkey. // Advisor to on-boarding of medical specialties and individual practitioners, general medical counsel // I have curated a large TEDx (TEDxRainier in 2010), advised (in 2011-12) and emceed TEDxRainier (in 2012), nominated chosen speakers for TEDGlobal (2010-present), curated selections at the TEDGlobal bookstore in 2011, judged an Ads Worth Spreading competition and arts prize, organized a TEDFellows retreat, and occasionally advise TEDMED. // Leads speaker curation team for the health and medicine edition of the TED conferences (TEDMED), including co-directing the Editorial Advisory Board, coaching speakers on talk development and performance, and overall creative design of the stage program. // World Health Organization; University of Washington; Harvard Medical School; Wellesley College; Jhpiego; TEDMED; MEDICC - Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba; Country Doctor Community Health Clinics; Just Human Productions; Arc Health; TED Conferences; RoundGlass; ZocDoc // Nassim Assefi is a versatile professional with a diverse background in global health, creative writing, curation, and civic activism. With expertise in internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, and travel medicine, Nassim has served as a primary care doctor at Lummi Nation during the pandemic. As a published novelist and creative curator, Nassim aims to bridge cultural divides through literary works like "Aria" and upcoming projects. With experience as a visiting professor at Nagasaki University and a background in refugee integration work, Nassim is passionate about designing regenerative projects that support vulnerable populations. Additionally, Nassim has a strong presence in the TED community, having curated TEDx events, advised TED speakers, and led speaker curation for TEDMED, showcasing a commitment to advancing ideas in health and medicine. // 1: I'm trying to improve women's health and sexual and reproductive rights for all. Target areas: US, MENA region, Latin America. Impact is hard to measure since I have a portfolio career and do so many different things. The throughlines have been consistent but the metrics aren't. Do you count views of my TEDEd talk (over 3 million; 2nd one about to be published)? Number of abortions done? Number of students taught to do abortions? etc. 2: to be a conscious and outspoken global citizen whose art and activism can take on humanitarian colonialism (subject of my 2nd novel and film), women's rights worldwide (esp Iran and Afghanistan and the US), build international community, and educate. // Dr. Nassim Assefi is a multi-talented professional with a diverse skill set spanning global health, creative writing, curation, and civic activism. With a background in internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, and travel medicine, she has contributed significantly to primary care efforts during the pandemic, notably at Lummi Nation. As a published novelist and creative curator, Nassim uses her literary works, such as "Aria," to bridge cultural divides and advocate for women's health and rights globally. Her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations is evident through her work in refugee integration and designing regenerative projects. With a strong presence in the TED community, Nassim's efforts in curating events and advising speakers demonstrate her dedication to advancing ideas in health and medicine on a global scale. // global women's health specialist // Nassim Assefi, MD is a novelist, women’s health specialist, creative curator, civic activist, and thrillionaire currently serving as Director of Stage Content for TEDMED. Past incarnations include: medical academic in Seattle, humanitarian aid worker (and underground salsa dance teacher) in Kabul, aspiring musician in Havana and writer in Istanbul. She is the author of Aria (Harcourt 2007, audiobook in 2013 & 5 foreign translations) and Say I Am You (forthcoming, about the promises and perils of humanitarianism in Afghanistan). Other projects have included: defending prisoners' rights to basic health care (with the Public Interest Law Group), caring for vulnerable urban patients at The Country Doctor Community Health Clinics, doing pro-bono torture evaluations of refugees seeking political asylum, medical advising at health care start-up ZocDoc, serving on advisory boards for Hedgebrook and Afghan Vision Network, and passionate projects as a TEDGlobal Fellow and TEDx organizer. Nassim is a graduate of Wellesley College, University of Washington Medical School, and Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s residency program. A second generation Iranian-American, bridge-builder and global-nomad, she has traveled to more than 50 countries and speaks and sometimes sings in five languages. She is a 2011 Jack Straw Writing Fellow, was recently given a Woman of Courage award by the University of Washington, and was named one of the top 40 under 40 feminists by Feminist Press. // TED Fellow Nassim Assefi is a physician, global health specialist, content curator, health tech consultant, civic entrepreneur, and novelist who enjoys living at the intersection of many worlds. Her most passionate project is to reimagine the "refugee crisis" in Europe as an opportunity to reinvent rural livelihoods. Her doctoring is a blend of internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, human rights, and public health. Her consulting work ranges from primary health care and development strategies for the low income world to health tech start-ups and COVID-19 occupational safety. Her novels (Aria, published by Harcourt and translated into 5 other languages, and forthcoming Kabubble) explore complex issues like grief and humanitarianism. A second generation Iranian-American and soloist parent based in Seattle, Nassim has traveled to more than 60 countries and has lived on the 5 major continents. When asked the inevitable "What do you do?" question, Nassim has fun making up futuristic-sounding job titles like philomath, expert generalist, social justice entrepreneur, and thrillionaire. Thanks to a TEDGlobal Fellowship in 2009, Nassim was introduced to TED's remarkable, worldwide ideas community and has been a diehard TEDHead ever since then. She is living her best life in North Africa, possibly her forever home. // Dr. Nassim Assefi is a multi-talented professional with a diverse skill set spanning global health, creative writing, curation, and civic activism. With a background in internal medicine, gynecology, psychiatry, and travel medicine, she has contributed significantly to primary care efforts during the pandemic, notably at Lummi Nation. As a published novelist and creative curator, Nassim uses her literary works, such as "Aria," to bridge cultural divides and advocate for women's health and rights globally. Her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations is evident through her work in refugee integration and designing regenerative projects. With a strong presence in the TED community, Nassim's efforts in curating events and advising speakers demonstrate her dedication to advancing ideas in health and medicine on a global scale. // global women's health specialist // technology, creative curator, turkey, education, refugee crisis, ecovillages, public health, diagnosing courage, curating conferences, mena region, urban, running for peace, afghanistan, research, speaker coaching, activism, human rights, design, rights, women's rights, speaker coach, volunteerism, tech tech strategist, refugees, physician, covid, women, humanitarian, migration, livelihoods, regenerative, low income, covid-19, women's health, teachers, public interest law, social justice, global women's health, global health, intentional communities, rural, single motherhood, cuba, writing novels, novelist, reproductive rights, law, vulnerability, refugee integration, iran, pandemic, justice, income, capacity building // Morocco|Seattle|USA|Washington|Rabat|United States

Morocco|Seattle|USA|Washington|Rabat|United States

United States

Transportation activist // Kenya's minibuses -- known as "matatus" -- offer a convenient, affordable and colorful way for people to get around. But they also pose safety risks and accessibility issues for many of their passengers, especially women. Bringing a feminist perspective, activist and TED Fellow Naomi Mwaura calls for a revolution in public transportation by making routes transparent, protecting passengers from harassment and paving a career path for women in the industry. // Transportation activist // transit, public transit, activism, mobility, accessibility, affordable, transportation, women

Pakistan

Harvard Kennedy School; Digital Rights Foundation; Babar Awan Law Company; Oversight Board Administration; Berkman Klein Center - Harvard University; United Nations; University of the Punjab, Lahore; Diplo Foundation; University of the Punjab; Independent

Nighat Dad is a Pakistani lawyer and feminist activist born in 1981 in Lahore. She is the founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, an organization dedicated to defending the rights of Pakistani women on the Internet. Dad's activism has earned her recognition, including being listed as a Next Generation Leader by Time magazine in 2015 and winning the Human Rights Tulip award in 2016. She is also a member of the Facebook Oversight Board since 2020. Dad's journey includes overcoming familial restrictions, pursuing education in law, experiencing domestic violence, and advocating for women's rights online. She co-organized the Aurat March in Lahore in 2019, facing backlash and threats for challenging patriarchal norms in Pakistan. Dad's work focuses on using technology to empower women and protect them from online harassment, with initiatives like a helpline for women in Pakistan. // Digital Rights Foundation is an organization focused on advocating for digital rights, privacy, and freedom of expression, particularly for women, in Pakistan. They work towards creating a safe and free internet environment through policy advocacy, digital security awareness, and protecting individuals from online harassment. The organization conducts various activities such as training sessions with law enforcement agencies, journalists, and human rights defenders on digital security. They also engage in research projects, collaborate with international organizations, and provide resources like a cyber harassment helpline and online safety tools. Additionally, they actively participate in public discussions and campaigns to address issues such as cybercrime legislation and online censorship. // Skilled in Digital Rights, Civil Liberties, Digital Surveillance, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society. Team leader focused on Internet and Society with a legal background. // Nighat Dad is the head honcho at the Digital Rights Foundation. She created the organization in 2012 and there has been no looking back for her since. Nighat has propelled the organization from a tiny operation consisting of just two people to a team of more than a dozen. She is the mastermind behind all of the organization’s current projects and has helped breathe some feminist power into all the work that DRF does. Nighat is Time Magazine’s next generation leader for 2015, and has also won the Atlantic Council Freedom Award along with the prestigious Tulip Award in 2016. // // // Harvard Kennedy School; Digital Rights Foundation; Babar Awan Law Company; Oversight Board Administration; Berkman Klein Center - Harvard University; United Nations; University of the Punjab, Lahore; Diplo Foundation; University of the Punjab; Independent // Nighat Dad is a seasoned professional with a legal background, specializing in Digital Rights, Civil Liberties, Digital Surveillance, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). As the head of the Digital Rights Foundation, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, transforming the organization from a small team to a robust group of dedicated individuals. Nighat's innovative approach has infused feminist perspectives into the foundation's projects, making significant strides in the realm of Internet and Society. Recognized for her contributions, she has been honored with accolades such as Time Magazine's next generation leader for 2015 and the Atlantic Council Freedom Award. // Bringing global majority voices on the table where decisions around design, deployment and governance of technologies emerging and existing are being made. The impact I am hoping to have is more an action towards bringing equal share of resources, knowledge and governance of Tech when it comes to global south, the tech world where we have power of bargaining. Questions around inequality between global south and north, genuine curiosity where the world of AI will take us from here, where should global south see itself in this fast evolving world of tech and AI. // Nighat Dad is a Pakistani lawyer and feminist activist known for her pioneering work in advocating for digital rights and women's empowerment in Pakistan. As the founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, she has been instrumental in promoting online safety, privacy, and freedom of expression, particularly for women, through initiatives like the cyber harassment helpline. Dad's leadership has led to the organization's growth and impact, with a focus on policy advocacy, digital security awareness, and combating online harassment. She has been recognized internationally for her contributions, including being named a Next Generation Leader by Time magazine and receiving the Human Rights Tulip award. Dad's work embodies a commitment to using technology to advance gender equality and challenge patriarchal norms in the digital space. // Lawyer, human rights activist // TED Fellow Nighat Dad studies online harassment, especially as it relates to patriarchal cultures like the one in her small village in Pakistan. She tells the story of how she set up Pakistan's first cyber harassment helpline, offering support to women who face serious threats online. "Safe access to the internet is access to knowledge, and knowledge is freedom," she says. "When I fight for a woman's digital rights, I am fighting for equality." // Nighat Dad is a Pakistani lawyer and feminist activist known for her pioneering work in advocating for digital rights and women's empowerment in Pakistan. As the founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, she has been instrumental in promoting online safety, privacy, and freedom of expression, particularly for women, through initiatives like the cyber harassment helpline. Dad's leadership has led to the organization's growth and impact, with a focus on policy advocacy, digital security awareness, and combating online harassment. She has been recognized internationally for her contributions, including being named a Next Generation Leader by Time magazine and receiving the Human Rights Tulip award. Dad's work embodies a commitment to using technology to advance gender equality and challenge patriarchal norms in the digital space. // Lawyer, human rights activist // technology, violence, education, job skills training, ai governance, research, activism, human rights, design, rights, women's rights, policy, public policy and advocacy, women, public policy, gender, community development, advocacy, politics, campaigns, emerging tech, artificial intelligence, disaster risk management, governance, law, equality, tech and human rights, communication, risk management, inequality // United Kingdom|London|Pakistan|Punjab|Lahore

United Kingdom|London|Pakistan|Punjab|Lahore

United States

Photojournalist + filmmaker // Isadora Kosofsky is a documentary photographer, journalist, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. She began photographing at the age of fourteen, documenting individuals in hospice care. When she was sixteen, she relocated to the Balkans to imbed inside the youth prison system in Romania. Isadora takes an immersive approach to visual storytelling, spending months and years imbedded in the lives of the people she shadows. For her, the relationships formed with the subjects are tantamount to the image-making. She works on a range of subject matters through the lens of one individual or group of people, working from an interpersonal, humanistic stance, while documenting healthcare, geriatric health, mental health, disability rights, impacts of incarceration, substance use, gender violences, childhood trauma, senior citizen issues, and experiences of grief, loss, and resilience. She is a National Geographic Photographer and has contributed to the NY Times, TIME, the New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Stern, Le Monde, M le Magazine du Monde, GEO Germany, Paris Match, The London Sunday Times, The Guardian, Slate, Internazionale, and many others. She is the recipient of the 2012 Inge Morath Award from the Magnum Foundation for her multi-series work on the aged. She was nominated for a 2016 Lead Award (German Pulitzer) for her long-term documentary about a senior citizen love triangle. She was a participant in the 2014 Joop Swart Masterclass of World Press Photo. Her work has received distinctions from Flash Forward Magenta Foundation, Ian Parry Foundation, Social Documentary Network, International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Women in Photography International, Prix de la Photographie Paris, The New York Photo Festival and others. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and can be found in Family Photography Now (Thames and Hudson, 2016), a photographic anthology, and in Public Private Portraiture from Mossless. She had an exhibition of her work on youth facing incarceration and their families at the 2017 Visa Pour L’Image International Festival of Photojournalism in Perpignan, France. She is the recipient of a 2017 Getty Images Instagram Grant for elevating the stories of marginalized communities. Her storytelling has also been used for public policy, doubling the budget of a program to connect children with their incarcerated parent; her work has been used as evidence for the need for additional rights for women in prison through the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, a congressional bill. In addition, she is a teacher and has lectured at the National Geographic Photography Seminar, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Ohio University School of Visual Communication, Loyola Marymount University, Harold Washington College, the National Conference on Crime and Delinquency, and has instructed high school students on topics related to the language of empathy, working intimately with subjects, and trauma studies; she is an instructor in critical visual journalism with the Connected Academy, sponsored by the World Press Photo Foundation. She holds a B.A. in Gender Studies from University of California Los Angeles. She is a recipient of a 2018 Grant from the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting for her ongoing work on girl survivors of complex trauma. The Royal Photo Society recently named her one of a hundred “heroines” in photography worldwide. Isadora is a TED Fellow, part of a network of 450 global change makers, and gave a talk at TED 2018 in Vancouver. She is a 2020 Gwen Ifill Mentor through the International Women’s Media Foundation. Her first monograph, Senior Love Triangle, was published by Kehrer Verlag in 2020. // Photographer and TED Fellow Isadora Kosofsky is a chronicler of love, loss and loneliness. In this searching talk, she shares photos from her four years documenting the lives of a senior citizen love triangle -- and reveals what they can teach us about the universal search for identity and belonging. // Isadora Kosofsky is a documentary photographer, journalist, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. She began photographing at the age of fourteen, documenting individuals in hospice care. When she was sixteen, she relocated to the Balkans to imbed inside the youth prison system in Romania. Isadora takes an immersive approach to visual storytelling, spending months and years imbedded in the lives of the people she shadows. For her, the relationships formed with the subjects are tantamount to the image-making. She works on a range of subject matters through the lens of one individual or group of people, working from an interpersonal, humanistic stance, while documenting healthcare, geriatric health, mental health, disability rights, impacts of incarceration, substance use, gender violences, childhood trauma, senior citizen issues, and experiences of grief, loss, and resilience. She is a National Geographic Photographer and has contributed to the NY Times, TIME, the New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Stern, Le Monde, M le Magazine du Monde, GEO Germany, Paris Match, The London Sunday Times, The Guardian, Slate, Internazionale, and many others. She is the recipient of the 2012 Inge Morath Award from the Magnum Foundation for her multi-series work on the aged. She was nominated for a 2016 Lead Award (German Pulitzer) for her long-term documentary about a senior citizen love triangle. She was a participant in the 2014 Joop Swart Masterclass of World Press Photo. Her work has received distinctions from Flash Forward Magenta Foundation, Ian Parry Foundation, Social Documentary Network, International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Women in Photography International, Prix de la Photographie Paris, The New York Photo Festival and others. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and can be found in Family Photography Now (Thames and Hudson, 2016), a photographic anthology, and in Public Private Portraiture from Mossless. She had an exhibition of her work on youth facing incarceration and their families at the 2017 Visa Pour L’Image International Festival of Photojournalism in Perpignan, France. She is the recipient of a 2017 Getty Images Instagram Grant for elevating the stories of marginalized communities. Her storytelling has also been used for public policy, doubling the budget of a program to connect children with their incarcerated parent; her work has been used as evidence for the need for additional rights for women in prison through the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, a congressional bill. In addition, she is a teacher and has lectured at the National Geographic Photography Seminar, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Ohio University School of Visual Communication, Loyola Marymount University, Harold Washington College, the National Conference on Crime and Delinquency, and has instructed high school students on topics related to the language of empathy, working intimately with subjects, and trauma studies; she is an instructor in critical visual journalism with the Connected Academy, sponsored by the World Press Photo Foundation. She holds a B.A. in Gender Studies from University of California Los Angeles. She is a recipient of a 2018 Grant from the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting for her ongoing work on girl survivors of complex trauma. The Royal Photo Society recently named her one of a hundred “heroines” in photography worldwide. Isadora is a TED Fellow, part of a network of 450 global change makers, and gave a talk at TED 2018 in Vancouver. She is a 2020 Gwen Ifill Mentor through the International Women’s Media Foundation. Her first monograph, Senior Love Triangle, was published by Kehrer Verlag in 2020. // Photojournalist + filmmaker // children, public policy, resilience, marginalized, rights, youth, gender, education, policy, disability rights, documentary, communication, teachers, women, marginalized communities // California|Los Angeles|United States|USA

California|Los Angeles|United States|USA