StemKids: Meet the Scientists

The StemKids: Meet the Scientists book is a bespoke graphic resource codesigned with researchers based in MCRI’s Stem Cell Medicine Theme. The book has been created to address a lack of suitable resources for children who are intrigued about medical research and/or stem cell science and curious to learn more. In creating this book for children, we also hope that their family members and other adults will also enjoy learning more about our research and the important work undertaken across the Stem Cell Medicine Theme at MCRI. This pilot project was supported through the reNEW, the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine and envisaged by Prof Megan Munsie (MCRI GL – Stem Cell Ethics & Policy) and Dr Adam Piers (Cardiac – Program Manager) with graphic illustrator and medical anthropologist Dr. Alex Pavlotski providing the essential experience and artistic skills to bring the idea to life. All drawn images were created by Dr Pavlotski while a member of staff at MCRI. Photographs of cells were provided by MCRI staff and accompanying text were developed by the core research team with input from participating MCRI scientists. The book will be initially distributed to the researchers involved in the project, as well as interested members of the public at future MCRI and reNEW events. We are also exploring expanding on this concept through animation and additional books in the series, as well as translating the resources into languages other than English