Beauty surrounds us. We see it. We hear it. But we also find it every time we learn something new about our world. There is a beauty to understanding itself, which brings connection, meaning, and purpose. Seeking this sense of wonder through academic research can contribute to our flourishing as scholars.

    The University of Notre Dame invites you to embrace the beauty of understanding at the heart of the intellectual journey.

    To learn more about the events in this series, please click the event title for a full description.

    Featured Event: The Beauty of Understanding Showcase

    For a moment, let’s take a step back from emails, schedules and meetings to reflect on why we do research.

    Share the heart of your work, to inspire us to recognize the beauty in our own research.

    Call for submission:

    The first Beauty of Understanding Showcase invites graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to share what they find beautiful in their research. This can take any form, including but not limited to, equations, graphs, illustrations, images, literature, music, photographs, poems, pottery, prints, recordings, sculptures, statements, videos, and words.

    Deadline Extended:

    Submissions will be accepted through May 2, 2025

    Selected works will be displayed at the closing event of the Beauty of Understanding Initiative, and printed into a booklet. 

    Three selected works will be displayed in Duncan Student Center throughout the duration of the Fall 2025 semester.

    Submit Your Entry!