In this week’s Under the covers (Nature revealed) blog, Nature’s Art Director Kelly Krause discusses the inspiration behind this week’s special theme.
Caption:
Media attention will be focused on Brazil and its South American neighbours for sporting reasons over the next few weeks. But with science in mind Nature’s special issue kicks off with a graphic tour of South and Central America that details the inputs and outputs of research and development there. We profile key institutions and research groups, and report on a programme that sends some of the region’s finest researchers to gain experience in North American labs, and on efforts to repatriate scientists who have already made their names abroad. Finally, we canvass opinions on how science can help towards achieving the goal of sustainable economic growth in the region. (Cover: Jasiek Krzysztofiak/Nature)
As investment increases, researchers are raising their game.
From the Art Desk:
Art Director, Kelly Krause, explains:
“This issue takes a close look at South American science, which has nothing really to do with sport, but is of course timed to go with the World Cup. As such, we wanted to create cover art that did essentially two things: give an impression of science in South America, but also give a subtle nod to the beautiful game.
“I gave this brief to Jasiek K from the Nature art team and he did just that, with fantastic results. The star map was inspired by the importance of Chile in the field of astronomy, and the constellation in the shape of South America effectively communicates what the issue is about. The coverline ‘Science stars’ is a nod to a certain sport happening in Brazil at the moment, as well as the black and white theme and patterns that bring to mind a football.
“We included some fantastic graphics in the issue as well, such as this two-page look at how science in South America stacks up.”
The special edition covers a range of diverse subjects including South American efforts to repatriate scientists, overseas scholarships, and highlights the pockets of excellence that thrive in South American science.
For additional behind the scenes commentary each week, check out Nature Graphics Tumblr and the previous Under the Covers on the Lipid Connection.