Science Meets Storytelling: A Bengal Researcher’s Creative Quest
In a world where science often feels confined to laboratories, Dr. Priyanka Ghosh, a 32-year-old biotechnologist from West Bengal, is rewriting the rules. By turning cancer research into vibrant comic strips, she’s making science accessible, engaging, and fun for everyone—from students to curious minds.
From Cancer Labs to Creative Panels
Dr. Ghosh, a PhD in Cancer Biology from IISER Kolkata, spent years studying tumor growth but noticed a gap: groundbreaking research rarely reached the public. “Science shouldn’t be locked behind jargon,” she says. In 2021, she launched Science Scribbles, an Instagram page where DNA replication, immunotherapy, and more come alive through colorful, easy-to-understand comics. Today, her work has over 50,000 followers, including scientists, teachers, and teens.
How Comics Simplify Science
Her most popular series, “Cancer vs. Immune System,” personifies cells as heroic soldiers and cunning villains, blending accuracy with creativity. “Stories stick better than facts,” she explains. Medical students even use her visuals to memorize complex pathways, while schools across Bengal integrate her comics into biology lessons.
Her success caught the attention of India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), which featured her work in a national STEM campaign.
Breaking Barriers with Sci-Art
Transitioning from lab tools to sketchpads wasn’t easy. Some peers doubted comics could convey “serious science,” but Dr. Ghosh collaborated with artists and experts to ensure rigor. Her upcoming graphic novel, The Secret Life of Cells, follows cellular characters like “Mito” the mitochondria and has already sparked excitement in academia.
India’s Sci-Art Revolution
Dr. Ghosh joins a wave of Indian researchers using art—from podcasts (The Intersection) to YouTube (The Life of Science)—to democratize knowledge. “Art humanizes science,” says neuroscientist Dr. Aparna Shukla.
What’s Next for Science Scribbles?
Dr. Ghosh aims to expand into regional languages and rural schools, hoping to inspire future scientists. “Imagine a village child dreaming of CRISPR because of a comic,” she says. “That’s the power of storytelling.”
Follow her journey on Instagram @ScienceScribbles.
