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60-second science: Embracing short-form ‘selfie’ videos (without the trauma) to increase impact
Think you need to be a "content creator" to win at social media? Think again. Vertical video is the highest-reach medium for researchers in 2026, and you can do it in under 5 minutes without a single dance move.

Fanie van Rooyen
Jan 205 min read


The researcher’s AI odyssey: You need to start thinking bigger
Stop treating AI like a basic editor and start using it as an architect. Learn how I built a fully interactive, custom map of Homer’s Odyssey in seconds without writing a single line of code - and how you can use the same workflow to turn your static research into living software.

Fanie van Rooyen
Jan 65 min read


How to network wrong: An introverted researcher's handbook
Networking. The word alone is enough to send a shiver down the spine of any self-respecting introvert. But why fight the fear? If you’re going to be awkward, you might as well be the most awkward person in the room. From the 'Human Shield' maneuver to the 'Phantom Exit,' here is your step-by-step guide to absolutely ruining your networking potential - and, for those who actually want a career, the practical tips on how to fix it.

Fanie van Rooyen
Dec 9, 20255 min read


How to hack your creativity as a researcher (with a little help from AI)
Stuck in Methods mode? Use AI as your creative coach to brainstorm at scale, spin quick variations, build mood boards, learn colour and composition faster, and remix ideas across fields for clearer, more memorable research.

Fanie van Rooyen
Nov 12, 20255 min read


What Makes a Winning Video? A Judge's Review of Visualise Your Thesis 2025
Fresh from judging Visualise Your Thesis 2025, I break down what the winners did right: tight storytelling, purposeful visuals, clear audio. Spoiler, craft beats budget. Plus seven practical habits you can copy to make your own video abstract stand out.

Dr. Tullio Rossi
Oct 28, 20255 min read


How to Design the Ugliest Research Poster Ever
Ready to commit some design crimes? In our latest (satirical!) post, we teach you how to design the ugliest research poster imaginable, from chaotic colour palettes to font explosions and unreadable layouts. It’s a masterclass in what not to do, guaranteed to make your supervisor weep and your audience flee. Read it for a laugh, and then flip every tip on its head to actually win Best Poster.

Fanie van Rooyen
Oct 15, 20255 min read


Case Study: How a Science Animation Led to Real-World Conservation Outcomes
Discover how a science animation transformed public perception of tiny insects on Ascension Island, leading to new protected areas and real-world conservation outcomes.

Dr. Tullio Rossi
Sep 30, 20254 min read


Banana science! Using ‘Nano Banana’ (or any image gen) to make visuals your aunt can understand
Imagine explaining your research with visuals so clear that even your aunt nods in understanding. In our latest blog, we explore Google’s trending “Nano Banana” image generator, showing how snack-sized AI visuals can make complex science fun, shareable, and accurate (well… mostly).

Fanie van Rooyen
Sep 17, 20257 min read


Eternally on the funding-hunt? You can use AI for that!
Sick of the funding scramble? With the right prompt, AI can be your tireless grant scout, finding open calls you’d miss and saving you hours of frantic searching.

Fanie van Rooyen
Sep 2, 20256 min read


Meet your (free) new lab partner: Nonprofit ‘AI scientist’ gets to work
AI is no longer just helping you write papers - it’s learning how to do science. Backed by Eric Schmidt, nonprofit FutureHouse has launched a free suite of AI agents (Crow, Falcon, Owl and Phoenix) built to automate scientific discovery, from literature reviews to chemistry planning. In this article, we explore how FutureHouse stacks up against ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Grok, run a hands-on mini-experiment, and spotlight other emerging ‘AI scientist’ projects.

Fanie van Rooyen
Aug 18, 20259 min read


How to Make Scientific Writing Less Painful (With a Little Help From AI)
Writing your research paper doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth.
In this article, we explore how AI tools can make scientific writing less painful, helping you get started, stay organised, and polish your draft without losing your voice. Think of it as having a tireless writing assistant by your side (minus the judgment).

Dr. Tullio Rossi
Aug 5, 20257 min read


How to easily make eye-popping scientific posters using AI
Want your research poster to stand out from across the room? This guide shows you how to create eye-catching visuals using AI - even if you’ve got zero design skills. Learn which tools to use, how to prompt like a pro, and how to make your visuals conference-ready. Perfect for researchers ready to ditch the wall of text and design a poster people actually want to read.

Fanie van Rooyen
Jul 15, 202510 min read


How to give your research (and video) abstracts the PUNCH of a movie trailer [in 5 steps]
Give your research abstract the punch of a movie trailer. This post shares 5 storytelling tricks to hook, wow, and leave your audience wanting more.

Fanie van Rooyen
Jul 1, 20256 min read


Three simple story structures to supercharge your science communication [with examples]
Turn your science into story with three simple structures - ABT, Pixar Spine, and Freytag’s Pyramid.

Fanie van Rooyen
Jun 18, 20257 min read


5 Pixar Storytelling Tricks for Your Science Videos [with Examples]
Discover how 5 storytelling tricks from Pixar can transform your science videos—from relatable heroes to story structures that stick. Science deserves stories that move people.

Fanie van Rooyen
Jun 3, 20257 min read


Social media for researchers: Maximise your impact on LinkedIn and beyond [in six simple steps]
Want to boost your research visibility on LinkedIn and beyond? This post breaks down six simple steps to help you build a standout profile, connect with your peers, and grow your impact—without the overwhelm.

Fanie van Rooyen
Apr 30, 20257 min read
![Best Examples of Winning Visualise Your Thesis videos [VYT]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4fb138_19b65d8c4e7f48e78bc84e8c48198d48~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/4fb138_19b65d8c4e7f48e78bc84e8c48198d48~mv2.webp)
![Best Examples of Winning Visualise Your Thesis videos [VYT]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4fb138_19b65d8c4e7f48e78bc84e8c48198d48~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/4fb138_19b65d8c4e7f48e78bc84e8c48198d48~mv2.webp)
Best Examples of Winning Visualise Your Thesis videos [VYT]
Discover what makes a winning Visualise Your Thesis video stand out. We break down the best examples and uncover their storytelling secrets.

Dr. Tullio Rossi
Mar 12, 20259 min read


An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving a Conference Scientific Poster Session: 5 Simple Tips
Learn five simple tips to make meaningful connections, confidently present your research, and actually enjoy the experience.

Dr James O’Hanlon
Feb 24, 20256 min read


20 AI Tools for Research: A No-Nonsense Guide (Gordon Ramsay Parody)
Right, listen up! If you’re still drowning in PDFs and wrestling citations like a headless chicken, you need these AI tools NOW.

Dr. Tullio Rossi
Feb 13, 20257 min read
![How To Easily Create a LinkedIn Carousel Post [With FREE Software]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4fb138_86962854cd5b40d994dbb7fc330a2e6e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_35,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/4fb138_86962854cd5b40d994dbb7fc330a2e6e~mv2.webp)
![How To Easily Create a LinkedIn Carousel Post [With FREE Software]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4fb138_86962854cd5b40d994dbb7fc330a2e6e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_avif,quality_auto/4fb138_86962854cd5b40d994dbb7fc330a2e6e~mv2.webp)
How To Easily Create a LinkedIn Carousel Post [With FREE Software]
In today’s digital world, researchers need innovative ways to share their findings.
Leo Krause
Dec 10, 20244 min read
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