Resilient rebound: a visual essay on materials science researchers confronting plastic pollution in the post-COVID-19 era

In this visual essay, the author embarks on a personal and metaphorical journey on the challenges faced by materials science researchers in the post-COVID-19 era through the lens of their own experiences. Central to this narrative is the 'cart of dreams and knowledge', representing the researcher´s academic learnings and aspirational pursuits in hobbies and personal passions. As they confront the 'garbage monster' – a metaphor for plastic pollution and escalating environmental crises – their metaphorical carts undergo a transformative journey, representing their resilience and adaptability. This resilient rebound is vividly captured through illustrations integrating historical data, observations and personal experiences as primary data collection tools. These illustrations serve as an analytic device reflecting the researchers' emotional and academic endeavours during the pandemic. This creative approach introduces an imaginative world while integrating real images within the comic format, grounding these experiences in their personal and professional lives. The essay portraits the author in imaginative worlds, probing their resilience and adaptability, evocative of comic book heroes. By highlighting the collective fight against plastic pollution, the author weaves a tale of hope, innovation, and collaborative spirit, inviting a call to action for a sustainable future in the post-COVID-19 era, thus fostering a sense of empathy and connection with a broader audience.