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How do you explain complex immune research to patients, families, and the wider public?
IHXL researcher and Radboudumc rheumatologist Rogier Thurlings found a powerful answer: by co-creating a cartoon book with his 10-year-old son Valentijn in close collaboration with patients and patient organizations.
In the large DETECTIVE study, Rogier and his team investigated how white blood cells derail in diseases such as Sjögren’s, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Instead of sharing results in a traditional scientific report, he transformed the insights into an accessible, engaging story that turns immune cells into characters, from 'slopers' and 'controleurs' to killer cells and ninja cells. The result: a visual explanation that helps people better understand their condition and the science behind new treatments.
This approach perfectly reflects IHXL’s ambitions: advancing disease-overarching immunolocial research, involving patients meaningfully throughout the research process, and ensuring research outcomes are communicated in an accessible, understandable way. It is a wonderful example of how creativity, patient partnership, and scientific rigor can come together to make research truly impactful.