BDFIL and NCCR SPIN pair for the 4th time to bring one-of-a-kind discussion around science in comics

For the 4th time, NCCR SPIN and the Lausanne comic festival BDFIL joined hands to bring a one-of-a-kind discussion around science and comics at the International Comic Festival BDFIL Lausanne 2025! The event took place at the heart of BDFIL, on the 11th May 2025 in the Auditorium of the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts.

Around the table, two scientists and comic authors: Camille Van Belle with her books “Les Oubliés de la Science” and “Dans les Pantoufles de Darwin”, and Lucia Sillig with her first book “Game Ovaire”. Pierre Fronholz, quantum scientist at Moth Quantum AG, joined the discussion moderated by Marie Le Dantec.

In her book Les Oubliés de la science, Camille Van Belle recounts the stories of scientists whose groundbreaking discoveries were never properly credited to them. Through Game Ovaire, Lucia Sillig shows scietific research in biology from a more feminist angle. Both books challenge the common assumption that science is entirely objective, revealing instead that it can be influenced by bias—since it is produced by humans shaped by the historical and cultural contexts of their time.

The first part of the event was a live conversation on science communication through comics and the presence of bias in science. Lucia and Camille shared their paths as science journalists—Lucia through radio, and Camille through illustrated articles and comics—while Pierre spoke about his work as a researcher operating at the intersection of art and science. Then, the three of them discussed the various biases that can influence science—ranging from financial interests to human factors, as well as societal demands and prevailing trends. The whole conversation was illustrated with images taken from Camille and Lucia’s works to make it more tangible.

In the second half of the event, the stage was handed over to Camille and Lucia, who responded to questions through live drawings, while Pierre answered verbally. From their most memorable scientific experiment/experience to their favorite Ig-Nobel prize, the three guests didn’t miss a chance to make the audience laugh to their (scientific) stories.

NCCR SPIN thanks once again BDFIL, Camille van Belle, Lucia Sillig, Pierre Fromholz and Marie Le Dantec for making this event fun and engaging and hope to make this collaboration long-lasting!