Research & Science Communication Animation
Transform Complex Research Into Clear Visual Stories
Founded by Anders Sundstedt, an award-winning 2D Animation Director, Sundstedt Animation helps researchers, universities, and organisations transform complex scientific ideas into clear, engaging animated stories. Combining visual development, illustration, animation direction, and subject understanding, the studio creates original 2D animation that communicates complex research clearly and accurately while connecting with wider audiences. With a background in Media Technology & Engineering (Visualization), Anders combines technical understanding with visual storytelling to translate specialist information into accessible visual narratives.
Every project begins with the subject itself. The visual style, artwork, pacing, and animation are developed specifically around your research, audience, and communication goals rather than adapted from generic templates. Projects can also support environmental communication, sustainability initiatives, conservation campaigns, and research that helps audiences understand climate and environmental challenges. Our environmental approach is outlined in our environmental policy.
Our award-winning work includes collaborations with Microsoft, Pfizer, and the University of Glasgow, earning global recognition such as ranking #1 on List.ly for explainer videos.
Why Choose Sundstedt Animation for Research?
Choosing Sundstedt Animation means achieving clarity from complexity by transforming specialist information into structured visual narratives that help audiences understand difficult concepts. Every animation features original visual development, built around the subject, audience, and communication goal. Anders combines subject understanding with visual storytelling to support research communication across publications, conferences, funding applications, social media, journal submissions, and public engagement. These projects are driven by award-winning animation direction and recognised through international festival success, including Film Invasion Los Angeles.
Our Process
The production process combines research understanding, visual development, illustration, animation, and refinement through a clear collaborative workflow. First, the research, audience, objectives, and key messages are reviewed to identify the clearest visual approach. Second, the visual story is developed by creating the script structure, storyboard, visual language, and artwork needed to communicate the idea effectively. Third, the animation is produced through illustration, character design, motion, compositing, and review stages. Finally, the finished animated film or research communication video is delivered ready for conferences, publications, websites, presentations, and public engagement. Explore the complete production workflow on the dedicated process page.
Who Is It For?
- Academic researchers and PhD students
- Research groups, labs, and institutes
- Science communication officers
- Universities and outreach teams
- Non-profits and grant-funded organisations
- Policymakers and public engagement specialists
Popular Use Cases
Research communication animations are often used to present information. The strongest projects, however, work more like short visual films, using structure, pacing, and storytelling to guide audiences through complex ideas.
- Video Abstracts: Turn research papers into concise animations perfect for journal submission or conference presentations.
- Research Dissemination: Share findings with policymakers, the public, or academic peers through clear, engaging animated visuals.
- Public Engagement: Build initiatives on scientific accuracy to inspire and inform broader audiences.
- Project Explainers: Present research in accessible visual formats that speed up audience understanding.
- Educational Content: Inform, teach, and inspire students or general audiences.
- Social Media Science Clips: Provide concise animations for professional and social platforms.
- Interactive Web Visualisations: Deliver dynamic graphics for research websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer different animation styles?
Yes. The animation style is developed around the communication goal, audience, and subject matter. Projects may use illustration, character animation, motion graphics, whiteboard animation, or other approaches depending on what best supports the story.
How long does a typical animation take?
Most scientific and research animations are completed within 6 to 8 weeks. The exact timeframe is agreed at the start and depends on factors such as the complexity of the subject matter, video length, number of scenes, and the level of illustration detail required to accurately convey your findings. The process includes research, script refinement, storyboards, illustration, animation, reviews, and final delivery. For projects with tight deadlines, a faster turnaround may be possible. We will always provide a realistic schedule so you know when to expect each stage of progress. Our goal is to balance accuracy, clarity, and creativity while meeting your timeframe without compromising quality.
What is the typical cost range?
Prices for a fully custom 1-minute 2D animation start at £4,000. The exact cost is agreed before production begins and depends on factors such as animation complexity, illustration detail, number of characters and scenes, and project timeframe. Simpler animations with fewer scenes are priced at the lower end, while highly detailed projects with multiple scenes or advanced effects require a larger budget. Once the quote is approved and production starts, the price is fixed, ensuring no surprises on delivery.
Can we review the script and storyboard?
Yes. While clients often provide an initial script, we refine it specifically for animation. You will have the opportunity to review and approve both the storyboard and the full animation before final delivery.
Can you work with existing visuals?
Yes. While we typically create all visuals in-house, we can integrate your graphics, illustrations, or animated assets into our workflow.
What Our Clients Say
“I recently worked with Anders on a 2D animation for our organisation to explain the importance of Quality. We are SO pleased with the result. Anders is meticulous, professional, and has an amazing eye for detail. He beat all our timelines, despite our own delays, and the quality speaks for itself. MANY thanks.” – Alexandra Moulson, Chief Strategy & Portfolio Officer and Managing Director, Polpharma Biologics
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