VI4 AiR '25
The 2025 VI4 Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Program will continue its mission of bridging art and science through a 10-week, skill-building initiative that empowers undergraduate artists to visually communicate pressing infectious disease topics. Expanding on its history of impact, this year’s program emphasizes cognitive flexibility, data-driven storytelling, and public engagement. Students will collaborate with scientists and journal editors to interpret high-impact research through dynamic visual narratives, addressing topics such as vaccine development and antibiotic resistance. By integrating generative AI and data science tools, participants will develop computational literacy alongside artistic techniques, enhancing their ability to translate complex scientific data into compelling, accessible visuals. Through a mix of workshops, mentorship, and outreach—including feedback from high school students—the program cultivates a new generation of visual science communicators prepared to tackle global health challenges.
The skills you will develop...
Art Creation Skills
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Generate diverse visual concepts inspired by scientific content (e.g. scientific paper abstracts).
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Integrate scientific information into visual media, ensuring that art communicates accurate and meaningful data.
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Apply visual storytelling techniques such as storyboarding, visual metaphors, and narrative flow to craft compelling stories.
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Produce polished, visually refined work for public engagement through iterative critique and revisions.
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Present visual work clearly and concisely to diverse audiences with an emphasis on accessibility and impact.
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Reflect on and iterate their creative process to enhance visual excellence and public accessibility.
Science Literacy Skills
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Describe and explain fundamental concepts in cutting edge infectious disease science.
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Interpret and analyze scientific data relevant to infectious diseases for use in visual projects.
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Assess data sources for credibility and select scientifically accurate material to inform their artwork.
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Apply scientific concepts in visual narratives to make complex topics accessible and engaging to public audiences.
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Reflect on the public impact of their work and identify how their visual stories contribute to scientific understanding and awareness.
AI and Computational Literacy Skills
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Leverage technology (e.g. LLMs, generative tools, interactive media) to enhance creative storytelling and visual impact.
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Produce interactive and dynamic visual components such as animations, VR, or data-driven infographics to communicate scientific findings.
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Analyze the legal and ethical considerations and limitations of AI-generated art.
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Integrate computational techniques into existing visual projects processes.
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Evaluate and select dissemination channels (e.g. public exhibits, online galleries, journals) based on how they enhance public engagement and accessibility.
Art
Sci
AI
What you will do...
Week 1
Kickoff & Foundations
Friday, June 27th
We’ll begin by walking through the entire program schedule and discussing goals and expectations for the summer. Participants will introduce themselves and explore the themes of the program, including infectious diseases and visual communication. Together we’ll establish a collaborative learning environment and review the tools and resources available to support your work.
Week 2
Scientific Deep Dives
Thursday, July 3rd
This session will focus on the science behind infectious diseases. We’ll be interpreting scientific data and dive into foundational skills of science literacy. By the end of this session, you’ll feel more confident approaching the scientific concepts to produce visual stories.
Week 3
Ideation & Iteration
Friday, July 18th
Brainstorm how to translate science findings into visual forms through design practices. We’ll practice integrating datasets into visual media using creative approches and generative tools.
Week 4
Visual Narrative Techniques & Early Feedback
Friday, July 11th
We’ll explore approaches for crafting strong visual stories that make complex science accessible. This session will highlight techniques like storyboarding, visual metaphors, and combining image and text. Participants will also present early concepts to receive formative feedback.
Week 5
Mid-Program Review & Peer Feedback
Friday, July 25th
This session will be the first formal round of art presentations. Participants will share their work-in-progress and receive peer critiques focused on improving clarity, visual impact, and scientific accuracy. Invited editors and other science faculty will also offer advice to ensure scientific accuracy.
Week 6
Advanced Computational Techniques
Friday, August 1st
Dive deeper into generative AI, animation, and interactive media. Explore advanced techniques like prompt engineering for AI tools, and VR to make art interactive. This hands-on session will help you enhance your work with cutting-edge computational tools.
Week 7
Public Engagement Strategies
Friday, August 1st
We’ll examine ways to make your work more interactive and accessible to diverse audiences. This session will include practical strategies for engaging viewers across platforms and ensuring your message reaches both scientific and public audiences.
Week 8
Refinement & Iterative Critique
Friday, August 8th
Participants will present artwork with a round of constructive critiques. We'll discuss how to fine-tune visual elements, enhance narratives, and make any last improvements before preparing for final submissions.
Week 9
Publication Prep & Impact Discussion
Friday, August 15th
This session will test from of the final presentation and prepare you for showcasing your final work. We’ll also reflect on the potential impact of your projects and review best practices for communicating scientific stories to different audiences.
Week 10
Showcase, Reflection, & Next Steps
Friday, August 22nd
The program concludes with a public showcase of everyone’s final pieces. Participants will present their process and final visuals, celebrate their achievements in a 5-minute presentation (introduction, process, products, take-home), and reflect on their learning. We’ll also discuss next steps for applying these skills in future career paths or continuing collaborations with art-science networks.