Concevoir la science - entre impact, esthétique et technologie

Images are powerful storytelling tools for capturing attention, evoking emotions, and making complex scientific concepts more relatable. Recently, science communicators have begun using artificial intelligence to create visuals that help audiences imagine scenarios—such as how modern technology might shape patient care, what cities with autonomous cars might look like, or how the effects of climate change could impact our homes and daily lives. 

But how do people respond to AI-generated images? Focusing on environmental communication, our experimental research shows that images depicting the negative impacts of climate change should be used with caution. When viewers suspect that an image was generated by AI—or if they feel uncertain about its origin—their trust decreases, resistance grows, and the overall effectiveness of the message declines.

Presentation

This talk explores the purpose of science infographics and what makes them work. Effective infographics are relevant, scientifically reliable, and easy to follow—they intuitively capture and steer attention. By aligning visual design with the way we process information, infographics can communicate complex topics clearly and engagingly. Using real examples, I will show how design strategies rooted in cognitive science can enhance understanding without oversimplifying. This approach ties directly into the "Attention! Engage!" theme and offers practical tools for impactful science communication.

Presentation

Despite its importance, colour use in scientific visualisation is often overlooked in science communication (Crameri et al., 2020), leading to a mix of self-taught best practices and widespread misuse. Unfit visuals can distort meaning, exclude audiences, or unintentionally ‘market’ results in a way that prioritises aesthetics over accuracy. 

This presentation explores how colour choices influence accuracy, accessibility, and non-the least trust in scientific communication. I will outline colour usage strategies to maintain scientific integrity while ensuring universal visual accessibility, using scientifically validated colour palettes like the Scientific Colour Maps (www.fabiocrameri.ch/colourmaps/). Participants will gain practical tools for designing visualisations that not only look compelling but also communicate science transparently and to all viewers.

In a world marked by political and environmental change, oscillating between hyperawareness and total ignorance, bridging the gap between shortening attention spans and complex matters is crucial. This talk presents an inter-disciplinary practice-based methodology, evolving from previous works, and a new SNF-funded project, to explore possible futures in the face of climate change. Building onto scientific data and simulations from HPC and using cascading effects as a storytelling tool, these projects prompt ‘what if’ scenarios to highlight that multiple futures are possible, fostering imagination and agency. Unravelling the entanglements of (more-than)human systems through visual storytelling, short films, and immersive installations complex connections are rendered comprehensible. As the stories unfold in the exhibition space, raw data is being transformed into emotional realities.

Presentation

The Water Audio Stories explores water scarcity through narrative-driven audio episodes, engaging both experts and non-experts. Originating from the Greek islands, the series has expanded to explore water challenges worldwide (from Morocco to Switzerland and Norway). Through interviews with scientists, local citizens, and practitioners, we share real stories of how communities experience and manage water scarcity. The project blends oral history, myth, and modern scientific solutions, offering insights into both traditional water management practices and innovative technologies. The stories provide inspiration for future solutions, addressing water scarcity with diverse perspectives and fostering a global dialogue on sustainable water use. www.water-scarcity.com/en/season-1-water-scarcity/