Can an image communicate science better than words? Why do we need an illustration if we can take a photograph? What is the role of a scientific illustrator?
These and other questions were addressed during the conference 'Illustration as a Tool for Communication in Science' that I gave at the First Conference on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services held at the University of Salamanca.
I also presented a brief overview of the history of scientific illustration, explained why it is necessary, and showcased the various types of work a scientific illustrator can do. Could a new scientific illustrator have emerged from this talk?
