Problem addressed

On one hand, one in seven people have some kind of learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD or dyspraxia. These challenges do not reflect intelligence, but rather the need for alternative learning methods. Because of this, two-thirds of such students never obtain a university degree, as highly specialised language makes traditional academic texts often inaccessible. Current adaptations in educational systems are limited and mostly targeted at primary and secondary schools, leaving university students without sufficient support. Students often resort to time-consuming methods such as animated educational videos or expensive private tutoring, which are unsustainable solutions in the long run. On the other hand, researchers spend years producing valuable papers that are read by only a handful of people, meaning their work does not reach its full impact potential. This double-sided problem — inaccessible learning for students and limited dissemination for researchers — creates barriers to equal education, contributes to low study completion rates, and hinders the broader use and sharing of scientific knowledge.

Innovative solution

SciComic is the world’s first complex-to-simple translator that utilises innovative technology to transform complex research papers into popular-science comics. By integrating multiple leading large language models with prompt engineering, keyword mapping, tailored illustrations and our own state-of-the-art fact verification loop, our web app enables students with learning difficulties to comprehend research papers quickly and effectively, while also helping researchers reach a wider audience. Unlike existing adaptations that mainly focus on intermediary switches between reading and listening, as well as unreliable generative AI tools, SciComic provides inclusive support for a broader spectrum of learning difficulties, reducing cognitive load and offering alternative learning formats. Built with scalable technologies such as Node.js, React and TypeScript, and supported by PostgreSQL and MongoDB, the app delivers results in under two minutes and requires minimal human intervention, making it both efficient and sustainable. In this way, SciComic democratises access to higher education and maximises the visibility and impact of scientific research.

Key results and benefits

SciComic enables students with learning difficulties to comprehend research papers significantly faster, reducing study time and increasing the likelihood of completing their university degrees. Researchers benefit from greater visibility and engagement, ensuring their work reaches a wider audience. By providing an efficient, affordable, and inclusive platform, SciComic measurably improves accessibility to academic knowledge, supports educational success, and contributes to a more equitable and participatory academic environment for tens of thousands of students in the region and millions globally.

Potential for mainstreaming

ScAIentist has strong potential for mainstream adoption due to the rapidly expanding global EdTech market, and driven by the increasing demand for digital learning, tailored educational experiences and inclusive tools. Our platform addresses a broad and growing audience: students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD, who actively seek innovative tools to enhance comprehension; researchers and academics looking to extend the reach and impact of their work; educators and professors aiming to improve student engagement and understanding; and journalists or media professionals who need to translate complex research for wider audiences. Alongside B2C, SciComic is penetrating the B2B market by partnering with different local and global scientific journals and helping them communicate research they publish at scale. This not only contributes to open-access publishing but significantly extends it, putting SciComic at the heart of an inclusive global ecosystem where academic knowledge is not “a luxury”.