Ben Hayoun- Stépanian is a multifaceted artist and filmmaker who has collaborated with numerous leading scientists, engineers, and musicians. She is a strong advocate for plurality, freedom of thinking, and the creation of organized communities.
Ben Hayoun-Stépanian has worked on several projects that aim to push the boundaries of music, art, and science. She co-created the International Space Orchestra, the world's first orchestra of NASA scientists, which flew aboard the International Space Station in 2013 and 2016.
Ben Hayoun-Stépanian is also the founder of the University of the Underground, a tuition-free university that supports free and transnational teaching and unconventional practices. She has also directed a nationwide festival, Tour de moon, which celebrated youth countercultures and nightlife and aimed to redistribute wealth and public funds.
As a filmmaker, Ben Hayoun-Stépanian has created several documentaries that explore topics such as the origins of knowledge, totalitarian regimes, and the next phase of humanity in space. Her films often feature diasporic and queer ecofeminist visions and have premiered at several international film festivals.
Ben Hayoun-Stépanian has received several awards and recognition for her work, including a Karman Fellowship, which is designed to support global leaders in advancing space-related agendas for the betterment of humanity. She is also a member of several organizations, including the International Astronautical Federation and the International Academy of Astronautics.
