Who am I?
My name is Morgane Gillard, I am a scientific figure designer and a PhD in Plant Ecology who loves explaining complex concepts with visuals.
After 8 years of research experience, I founded EffiScientiFig to design figures adapted to your scientific communication needs.
From research to scientific design
I started creating vector graphics to illustrate my own research: I often lacked clear visuals showing the details I needed for the aquatic plant species I studied. These additions greatly enhanced the aesthetics of my work and I found my results easier to communicate.
After my first creations in PowerPoint, I trained myself in the use of vector drawing software. Over the years, I have deepened my knowledge of the principles of visual communication and developed my graphic design skills.
I had the opportunity to design scientific article figures and graphical abstracts for other researchers who did not have the time or inclination to do so. Through these experiences, I realized that I could lend a hand to facilitate the visual communication of science.
My enthusiasm for the aesthetics of scientific information also applies to data visualization.
This involves creating graphical representations tailored to each dataset that highlight key results in a readable way. The challenge also lies in optimizing the layout of graphs and figure panels. These are parameters that I have always enjoyed exploring and adjusting when designing figures for my articles.
Before founding EffiScientiFig, I participated in the elaboration of a step-by-step protocol to promote informative visualization of enriched gene ontology terms using the R software, and the development of interactive web interfaces that allow dynamic data visualization.
Since 2023, I put my experience at your service with rigor and excitement to design your figures and support you in your visual scientific communication projects.
My background
2010 | AD Biology and Environmental Science (IUT de Brest)
2013 | MSc Agronomy with a specialization in genomics, ecophysiology and crop production (VetAgro Sup – Clermont-Ferrand)
2016 | PhD Plant Ecology (Université de Rennes 1)
2018 | Post-doctorate (UC Davis)
2022 | Project manager in an environmental consulting company
2023 | Founding of EffiScientiFig
My solid and varied scientific background enables me to cover a wide range of topics related to biology and other scientific fields.
The values that drive me
Helping spread knowledge
By transforming scientific information into clear and attractive visuals, I remain at the service of science and research. Visual communication is essential for conveying complex messages, sharing, informing, educating, and helping to change the world, brick by brick of knowledge.
Being involved alongside you
I particularly enjoy understanding the specific challenges of each project, identifying your needs, and seeking graphic solutions to highlight the subjects you entrust me with.
Discovering continuously
My job as a scientific graphic designer allows me to feed my insatiable curiosity: each assignment is an opportunity to learn more about my clients’ areas of interest.
Bearing ethical commitments
Supporting open and responsible digital technology
I favor libre and/or open source solutions for the various IT tools I use. The main environmental impact of my activity is its digital impact; I try to limit it by adopting sober practices and through my choice of web host.
Designing accessible figures
I strive to take accessibility into account when making graphic design choices (colors, contrasts, legibility of characters and text, etc.). The decisions that result from this approach often contribute to the overall quality of the figures.
Respect for intellectual property
I do not use generative AI to design my visuals, including during the conceptualization phase: my creations are unique and original.
When I am not conceptualizing figures or reading about science, I love knitting, bouldering and watching plants grow.