Discovering Science in Comics

Crys Clitheroe, PhD Candidate at CPAS, Supervisor Dr Anna-Sophie Jürgens │Thesis: The Potential for Science Communication in Popular Culture Graphic Narrative 

Science in Comics Alert!!! I love Science, Scientists and how they’re represented in popular culture, especially in Science Fiction! Coming from an international background in scientific research, I have met an incredible multinational cohort of scientists in many fields AND had a chance to learn about their mind-blowing array of research projects and approaches. But as a former Nerd Nite Boss and general Science Communicator I also got to see the surprisingly in-depth nerdy passions of many scientist colleagues, as well as how both the public and scientists engage with pop culture! So, for my PhD, I’m looking at the potential for science communication in popular culture – specifically in comics and their adaptations! I want to explore the world of science as it’s being presented in pop culture narratives and build up a picture of how this representation could inspire folks to engage with scientific ideas, technologies or even become researchers themselves. I’m always looking to collaborate and engage, so if you want to join me, please reach out (crystal-leigh.clitheroe@anu.edu.au or popsicule@anu.edu.au)!