'Spectacular' animations bring science to life
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is bringing biochemistry to life in an exciting collaboration with the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent.
Recent graduates of the BA (Hons) CG Arts & Animation degree at UCA Rochester were asked to create a series of entertaining computer generated films to explain biological processes in a fun and easy to understand way.
Scenarios, such as 'how our bodies fight infections' and 'the lifecycle of a mushroom' were commissioned by UCA and the University of Kent for a joint research project into the role that CG Arts and animation can play in biological research.
Michael Poraj-Wilczynski, Associate Dean at UCA, said: "The moment Dr Peter Klappa from the Biosciences Department at the University of Kent approached us with tales about mushrooms, slime mould and plant fertilisation we immediately saw an opportunity to collaborate.
"Both universities were excited to see whether traditional science textbook illustrations could become enthralling computer generated animations that could communicate scientific information accurately to a wide audience."
Dr Peter Klappa, Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry at the University of Kent, said: "It is absolutely amazing to see these projects growing and developing - I never thought it possible to have such a symbiotic link between biological sciences and animation.
"I now use these animations in my teaching and the students absolutely love them. Several bioscience students already asked me whether they can get involved in future projects."
The computer generated films have found unique and entertaining ways of explaining biosciences. 'The Lifecycle of a Mushroom' by 2011 UCA graduate Thomas Beg pays homage to early Disney, the drama of silent cinema and the tempo of the jazz age. In under four weeks it has attracted nearly 21,000 views and posted on sites around the world.
Tom said: "I never expected my film to get picked up so quickly and spread the way it did. Admittedly, it feels quite peculiar that 15,000 people around the world have watched my animation, but I'm really happy with how it's been received and hope it continues to engage new audiences.
2009 graduate Sebastian Schauman was asked to produce a film that would communicate, 'fighting an infection' to a young audience. Inspired by Monster Inc, Pixar Productions, Sesame Street and The Muppets, he decided to bring the world of contemporary entertainment to biology with a suitable blend of humour and horror.
Sebastian said: "As I didn't need to get too scientific with the subject of my animation I quite quickly decided to take a cartoony path and play around with personifications of the different cells that take part in the human immune system.
"I ended up with a family-friendly cast of 'marshmallowy' characters – the rest of the art-direction and sound followed suit and shaped the entire direction of the video."
UCA Project leader, Phil Gomm, said: ""The great thing about Peter's science scenarios is they can soak up a lot of art direction. In terms of visuals, they are largely abstract in nature, taking place in extraordinary 'inner-space' environments, and so invite bold interpretations.
The facts must be conveyed accurately, but the various scenarios gave the graduates plenty of room to express their creativity and imprint their style."
Further videos by Pol Winandy and Simon Holland can be seen on the Spectacular Science blog.
Michael Poraj-Wilczynski added: "It's amazing where a conversation about mushrooms can lead. We plan to extend this collaborative research project and are delighted by the global interest it has generated.
"We are now working on the next phase of our research that will explore new themes and consider the future role that CG Arts and Animation – and other media - may play in the communication of biological research."
For more information contact:
David Reilly, Press Officer, UCA
T: 01252 892939
E: dreilly@ucreative.ac.uk
Twitter: @UCA_creative
