My top illustrations of 2025 were a bit of a surprise.
For the first time – that I can remember – my more personal/political work eclipsed scientific commissions. Starting with my explainer of NIH funding cuts (which was shared widely back in February), protest fliers, NoKings comics and artwork for Science for the People.
I know it’s probably just the algorithms promoting potentially ‘controversial’ topics, but I think it’s also a sign that the public wants scientists (and science communicators) to take a stand on important issues. Maybe it’s time to stop pretending that science and politics can be kept separate (they never were, of course) and talk more openly about the people and the structures behind scientific research. What we lose in funding we may gain in respect.
May the new year bring more science out of the labs and into the streets!
PS: Last but not least, my the top 9 included a Brain Observatory Explorers Camp map, an ornate ink drawing of neurons, and the postcard for MoMI’s Open World Science. Special thanks to all my clients who keep hiring me despite my ‘radical left’ views.
PPS: You can see the individual images on Instagram.
