Three new comics created under the Horizon Europe SpongeScapes project invite readers into the fascinating world of environmental research — where scientists study how rivers, soils, and ecosystems function, and how this knowledge can help us adapt to climate change.
The comics follow the work of three PhD researchers who explore “sponge measures” — nature-based solutions that help landscapes absorb, store, and slowly release water. Through storytelling and illustration, the comics explore how the young researchers measure, model, and interpret these natural processes to better understand their benefits, limits, and trade-offs.
3 stories of young researchers
“Exploring the Meaning of Sponge” – with Louis Bonhoure
How did the word “sponge” become a powerful image for water resilience? Louis looks at how this metaphor helps communicate natural processes — and how it sometimes simplifies a reality that scientists must explore in depth.
“Long-Term Impact of River Restoration” – with Imogen Edwards
Rivers are living systems that remember their past. Immy studies how restored rivers in the UK evolve over time, revealing that ecological recovery is rarely linear — and that success can take many forms.
“Floods and Droughts: A Water Balancing Act” – with Christopher Wittmann
In the Netherlands, Christopher uses hydrological models to explore whether measures that reduce drought could worsen floods — and vice versa. His work helps show that resilience is a question of balance, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
Science meets storytelling
By turning scientific work into stories, the SpongeScapes comics make complex research accessible without losing its richness. They show how scientists from different fields — from hydrology to data modelling — work together to understand how nature functions and how it can inspire more sustainable solutions.
The series complements the communication efforts of SpongeBoost, SpongeScapes’ sister project, which produced its own comic to raise awareness about the importance of restoring and protecting sponge landscapes.
Together, these projects illustrate how Europe’s research community is deepening our understanding of the living systems that underpin resilience to floods, droughts, and climate change.
