Speaker: Matteo Farinella, Columbia University
In popular culture, science is often associated with long equations and technical diagrams. However, throughout history, illustration and storytelling have played a central role in the popularization of science and scientific progress itself. In many cases, understanding something requires ‘seeing’ that something. This is why visual narratives, such as comics and animation, are becoming an increasingly popular format for science education and communication.
Through a mix of drawing activities and laboratory experimentation, this workshop investigates the potential of comics as a format for science communication. Over the course of three hours, we will explore the rich visual culture of science and discuss why a well-crafted drawing may be more useful than a long explanation. We will also learn practical skills, for translating science into visual narratives, and put them to the test by drawing a comic based on a short lab activity (or a personal project of your own choosing).
Tickets range from $40-75, and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Matteo Farinella received a PhD in neuroscience from University College London in 2013. Since then he has been combining his scientific expertise with a lifelong passion for drawing, producing educational comics, illustrations and animations. He is the author of Neurocomic (Nobrow 2013) published with the support of the Wellcome Trust, and The Senses (Nobrow 2017). He has worked with universities and educational institutions around the world to make science more fun and accessible. In 2016 Matteo joined Columbia University as a Presidential Scholar in Society and Neuroscience, where he investigates the role of ‘visual narratives’ in science communication. Working with science journalists, educators and cognitive neuroscientists he aims to understand how these tools may affect the public perception of science and increase scientific literacy.
