oxford Sparks
At Oxford University traditions abound. But for Oxford Sparks, the university’s hub for science resources and information, it was time to do things differently. Mind-blowing research was in progress in every corner of the science faculty, and it was time to tell the world about it.
CHALLENGE
At Oxford Sparks, Oxford University’s hub for science communication, they are driven by a passion for making the extraordinary research happening around the University’s science faculty more accessible and engaging to scientists and non-scientists, children and adults alike.
Always looking for innovative sci-comm formats, the Oxford Sparks team, led by Dr Michaela Livingstone-Banks, were looking to produce a series of animations to explain their most groundbreaking research projects to a world-wide audience. They had a wealth of fascinating content at their fingertips. They just needed to find the right creative partner.
SOLUTION
Over the last four years, Scriberia’s animators have created more than 30 bespoke animations for Oxford Sparks, representing a fantastically productive collaboration and a pretty sharp up-tick in the Scriberia team’s scientific knowledge - honourary degrees in the post, no doubt.
“What’s so brilliant about the animations is that they all have a unique visual identity, but still work well together as a series,” says Michaela. “We’re always really excited whenever Scriberia try out a different style.”
“The investment we made in these animations has more than proven its worth. Scriberia put so much effort into getting every detail right, that the end result looks effortless. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with them.”
RESULT
“The researchers love them,” says Michaela. “They’re consistently impressed with the quality and creativity in the videos, and always comment on how easy the whole process is. They regularly use the animations in their own talks and outreach efforts. They’ve been screened at schools, events, presentations, science festivals, museums and exhibitions.
The animations have had a positive impact on Oxford Sparks’ social media reach. “Particularly,” notes Michaela, “on Facebook, where we get a lot of engagement, shares and views. The Oxford University account shares them, too - and they have over three million followers. Followers tell us constantly that they’ve demystified tricky topics or helped with the homework.
“The investment we made in these animations has more than proven its worth,” says Michaela. “They make the job of communicating incredibly complex information look effortless - but Scriberia put so much effort into getting every detail right. We couldn't be happier with our decision to work with them.”
