The synergy between art and science: a testimony from a soil scientist

I have a visual mind. Already at primary school, I felt that pouring something I learned into the right image, gave me an increased level of insight. It also helped me communicate with others. In my scientific career at the interface between soil science and hydrology, the urge to draw, sketch, sculpture, and build has always remained. In the beginning, I found rare opportunities to create my own illustrations in talks, posters, or a popular science exposition for the university. However, not being a professional artist, I often felt limited, as if the idea in my head did not always get the chance to crystallize into the right form. In this presentation, I will illustrate the synergy that comes into existence when scientists engage with artists. I will highlight some collaborations with various artists throughout the past year resulting in illustrations for an opinion article, a book chapter, an illustrated children's book and more. The conversation on how to visualize or create something from an abstract idea results in a wonderful cross-pollination between the artist and the scientist. It teaches us how things come across with other people, and how this in turn creates something new. Something exciting. Something that trickles down into society and builds bridges. I will bring some material and hope to open the conversation with you on your next idea!