BioPhyCom - Dive into the world of biomembranes with comics

In the course of this science communication project, pupils aged 8 to 14 will be introduced to the topics of cell membranes, cellular communication and the latest molecular tools to explore them in interactive workshops. It is based on an FWF-funded WEAVE project I 5359-N, in which the research group of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sandro Keller investigates membrane nanodiscs in the field of membrane biophysics. These represent a promising new tool for the study of membrane proteins. In the present WKP, science comics are among the tools used as a communication tool. The students will draw science comics themselves under guidance, which will then be presented in class or at events such as the Long Night of Research or some kind of science fair and will also be published in a comic book. In addition to the basics of membrane research, which is an extremely important and rapidly developing field of research, the children will also learn how scientific research and the construction of research projects work and what the job of a scientist looks like. By engaging with a complex subject in a fun and creative context, the project aims to teach students about the importance of basic research and to break down prejudices against STEM subjects. Last but not least, this project serves to arouse curiosity and interest in the natural sciences among the children.