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[CALL FOR APPLICATIONS] Training School WG4 “Comics-based practice and research: methodologies”

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS


Training School COS-MICs (CA24160)
“Comics-based practice and research: methodologies”
22-24 June 2026
University of Coimbra (Portugal)


We welcome applications for the Training School “Comics-based practice and research: methodologies” taking place at the University of Coimbra (Portugal), between 22 and 24 June 2026. This three-day Training School is organised by COST Action COS-MICs (CA24160) within Working Group 4, “Drawing Insights: Comics-based practice and research”.

The COS-MICs COST Action (CA24160): Comics and Sciences through Multidisciplinary Investigation and Collaboration (https://cosmics.hypotheses.org/) is an international network of researchers, professionals, and end-users that studies the intersection of comics and science, focusing on how comics can be used to communicate scientific concepts, foster public dialogue, and support educational efforts. This collaborative network focuses on enhancing the representation of science in comics and understanding their impact on society and public perceptions. The Action promotes cross-cultural dialogues, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to improve the circulation of scientific knowledge through comics in Europe and beyond.

Who is this for?
This Training School is based on one of the emerging trends in the study of contemporary comics: comics-based practice and research. The TS is intended for researchers who communicate their scientific findings or reflections through comics, or who explore comics as a method of research. It is also open to comics artists wishing to broaden their practice by collaborating with researchers from STEM or non-STEM fields, who are motivated to put their artistic skills to use in experimenting with the possibilities that comics offer for non-fiction and scientific dissemination.

Requirements
The Training School is open to anyone, from master’s students to senior researchers and comics artists, who wish to receive training in presenting their results in comics form or explore methodologies for using comics as a research practice. Participants should approach the medium as either:

  • The primary focus of their work;
  • A medium for exploring topics from various disciplines (e.g., Biology, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Graphic Medicine, Ethnography, Literature, etc.).

Preference will be given to applicants who have already engaged with these topics. Prior experience in creating research or scientific comics is not required, though it will be considered an advantage. Participants who have no previous experience with comics or lack the technical know-how to independently create their own comics may be paired with participating comics artists.

Language of instruction
A sufficient level of English is required to follow the practical sessions.

Overall programme framework
This COS-MICs Training School will be centred on centred on making comics, alongside discussions of approaches, processes and methodologies. At the end, participants will present 1 or 2-page comics, focusing on themes such as research in comics, comics as a language for science, or the communication of scientific knowledge through comics. This training will include creative and research activities carried out in groups, in which scientists/researchers will be paired with artists to create a short comic as an experiment. Further details on the various sessions will be announced later.

COST Action COS-MICs (CA24160) will provide financial support to a limited number of accepted applicants, covering travel and accommodation expenses paid as reimbursements.

Application materials
Candidates must submit, by 17 April 2026, a summary of the scientific topic (STEM or non-STEM) they wish to work on during the training school, along with a short bio-bibliography of approximately 300 words, in English, explaining their interest and motivation, by completing the form: https://forms.gle/BEqxTRQpEe2ELMCf7

This submission should also highlight both theoretical training and any practical experience in the field. Master’s students must also include a recommendation letter from their thesis supervisor, confirming the relevance of their research to the workshop. Selected candidates will be notified 2 weeks later and will be invited to an online Training School InfoDay. Further instructions for preparing the workshop will be sent later.

Organisers: Anabela Marisa Azul, Virginie Giuliana, Hugo Almeida, Francisca Cárcamo Rojas, João Ramalho-Santos.

Contact: cosmics.cost@gmail.com


The text only may be used under licence Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International. All other elements (illustrations, imported files) are “All rights reserved”, unless otherwise stated.


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
Virginie Giuliana (March 12, 2026). [CALL FOR APPLICATIONS] Training School WG4 “Comics-based practice and research: methodologies”. COS-MICs. Retrieved May 11, 2026 from https://cosmics.hypotheses.org/1965


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