During the yearly conference for communicating scientists in Germany – WissKon – Veronika Mischitz presented why scientists should consider comics when communicating. Her presentation also features the science comics she mentored at the University of Luxembourg.
Every year the NaWik (Nationales Institut für Wissenschaftskommunikation) invites scientists and researchers to an one-day conference called WissKon in order to talk about communicating science to the public and the press. This year’s WissKon was a special event, as due to the pandemic it was held in hybrid mode with only 40 participants on site but many more behind the live stream. During the conference, several speakers presented different projects and initiatives as well as communication tools.
Veronika Mischitz, science (comic) illustrator and teacher at the University of Luxembourg, gave the audience five good reasons to use comics when communicating science. She also made it clear that one does not need to be able to draw well in order to produce a good comic: “It’s all about the story. There are people, who can tell everything that needs to be said with simple stick figures.” And in case stick figures are not enough, collaborations between scientists and artists are also an option. From her experience, such a team work even brings the science stories to a whole new level.
Copyright: Chris Spatschek / NaWik
Such collaborations were formed in the new science comic series of the University of Luxembourg. Within the framework of DESCOM (Doctoral Education in Science Communication) doctoral candidates from Luxembourg worked closely together with local comic artists in order to produce a number of short stories around science and research in Luxembourg. “With a good idea, commitment and a good team you can get the most of this wonderful medium”, says Veronika Mischitz.
You can listen to a recording of the conference and Veronika Mischitz’ presentation (2:25:15 – 2:33:00). At the end of her presentation, you can get a glimpse into the Luxembourgish science comics that will be published at the end of this year.