PPubMed31 Mar 2025Cited 2×

Molecular biology and design research A new paradigm and transdisciplinary approach to communicating science

Carla Molins-Pitarch, Jonas Krebs, David Brena

Abstract

The transdisciplinary ChromDesign project explored and demonstrated the power of Design research for developing new tools for visualizing and communicating complex concepts in molecular biology to diverse audiences.

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ChromDesign showed that embedding design research into molecular biology creates new visual tools, training, and public outreach, enhancing communication of complex chromatin science.

What’s new

i.Integrated design research into molecular biology to develop visual communication tools
ii.Developed the Transdisciplinary Communication Training School and design workshops for PhD fellows
iii.Created the “Lab to Street” Toolkit (T‑Sci) enabling collaborative science‑design projects
iv.Produced the Life’s Journey immersive exhibition and other public engagement activities
v.Coordinated a network of 17 institutions training 14 PhD fellows across 9 countries

How they did it

The project applied a structured, iterative design methodology, combining design thinking workshops, visual storytelling, and prototyping with molecular biology research. PhD fellows received six months of transdisciplinary training, and the team co‑created a toolkit and public exhibitions to translate chromatin concepts for diverse audiences.

What they found

Trained 14 PhD fellows (13 on chromatin, 1 on design) over 4 years
Involved 17 institutions in 9 countries
Generated 19 communication projects, including 9 undergraduate design projects
Reached over 6,000 researchers, designers, and non‑experts through the Life’s Journey exhibition across Europe
Conducted the Science Guerrilla public engagement workshop in Barcelona in 2020

Caveats

✕Existing visual tools are still limited and lack universal applicability
✕Limited resolution of current visualizations makes some molecular details hard to explain
✕Persistent knowledge gaps hinder full appreciation and translation of discoveries to society
✕Need for further development of novel toolkits and methods to improve communication

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