Young Academy for Sustainability Research – University of Freiburg
A World in Transition
Five stories on the environmental crisis – a graphic novel makes climate research tangible for young people
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How does science reach a generation that grows up with TikTok rather than academic papers? That was the challenge the University of Freiburg brought to us. Instead of dry research reports, we created five vivid stories about young people shaping change themselves – from the colonial era in the Caribbean to a futuristic Ghana in the year 2150. A graphic novel that doesn’t lecture, it inspires.
The Challenge
Global Perspectives on Climate Change
The Young Academy for Sustainability Research at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies faced a classic science-communication challenge: how do you convey complex research findings to a young audience? Five scholarly texts on the global environmental crisis were waiting to shed their dry academic language and become vivid stories – both informative and inspiring, combining scientific rigour with narrative power.
Our vision for the graphic novel 'A World in Transition' was executed perfectly, both visually and narratively. Thanks to Ellery Studio, we were able to develop a captivating story.
Michael Vollstaedt, Coordinator, Young Academy for Sustainability Research
University of Freiburg
University of Freiburg
Deliverables
What We Delivered
Academic texts became youth-friendly stories. Data became characters. Stories from different places around the world combine into one coherent narrative. Each story follows young protagonists on their journey through crises toward possible solutions. The illustrations create emotional closeness without diluting the scientific grounding.
1
Storyboarding for Illustrated Non-Fiction Books
A complete visual narrative structure for five interconnected stories, focused on narrative rhythm and emotional dramaturgy.
2
Illustration and Colour Concept
A warm, accessible visual language with distinct colour palettes and atmospheric depth for emotional appeal. Character development and character design for diverse protagonists from different regions of the world.
3
Editorial Design for Educational Media
From page architecture to print-ready files: the complete book design was developed to meet publishing standards while being practical to use in the classroom.
4
Narrative Revision for Scientific Publications
Consultative revision of the original academic texts for audience-appropriate tone and narrative impact. Published by Waxmann Verlag.
