Your Thesis Chapter 1 - How to Illustrate with Inkscape

Опубликовано: 25 Июнь 2026
на канале: PhDCoffeeTime
6,439
184

How to create a graphical abstract with Inkscape | #PhD #Inkscape #PhDstudent #SciComm #Thesis (Long Title)
HOW TO CREATE A GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT WITH INKSCAPE | PHD TOOL

Have you ever read a high impact scientific article (journals like cells, PNAS, nature, science) and found it an elegant diagram that explains a high-level concept of a biological pathway or a theory.

You can't help to appreciate the art behind these papers, and wondered how scientists create these figures? Spoiler alert, they often have professional help by professional illustrators.

However, as graphical abstracts is now a trending requirement in journals, I believe this will be a practical video for many PhD students. And will make your thesis appear more aesthetic and authentic with your own visual illustrations.

In this video, I discussed
the importance of having graphics with your scientific studies
the limitation of using Microsoft PowerPoint
how to to build new shapes using Inkscape (mini-tutorial)

I hope after watching this video, you will consider adding Inkscape/ Illustrator to your Ph.D. toolbox and discover the power of communicating science with visual components.

Also check out:
How to set SMART goals for scientific writing | PhD chat
   • Set Thesis Writing Goals that WORK | SMART...  

The motivation for writing your first scientific paper | PhD chat
   • Why Publishing Scientific Papers in PhD is...  

How to write a lab protocol - home office inspiration
   • Why Protocols Are So Essential for Reprodu...  

********************************
About me:
I am a biologist finishing the 6th-year postdoc. I grew up in Hong Kong, have worked in the US and now living in France, now searching for my next role in private sectors of science.

Recruiters, please contact me for working opportunities:   / verabschan  

Before I conclude my time as a postdoc, I really hope to make YouTube videos that are tailored for the younger science community. These are basically what I would share if you find me as a postdoc in your lab. I hope my personal tips will provide some positivity, support, and encouragement to those who are on the journey of academic research.

********************************
Vlog videos:

How I arrived in France + Long-Stay Visa tips + Euraxess
   • Long-Stay Visa Tips When I Arrived in Fran...  

How I handle the unpredictable future (and work productively from home)
   • How to Work Better From Home | First Lockd...  

Full citations to all graphical abstracts:
Example 1: Antinociceptive effect of the essential oil of Zingiber zerumbet in mice: Possible mechanisms, Mohamed Hanief Khalida, Muhammad Nadeem Akhtarc, et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 137, Issue 1, 1 September 2011, Pages 345-351.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011....

Example 2: Targeting the lymphatics using dendritic polymers (dendrimers), Lisa M. Kaminskasa, Christopher J.H. Porter, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Volume 63, Issues 10-11, 10 September 2011, Pages 890-900. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2011...

Example 3: Layer-by-layer capsules for magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery, Hua Ai, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Volume 63, Issue 9, 14 August 2011, Pages 772-788. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2011...

Example 5: ABT-737 overcomes Bcl-2 mediated resistance to doxorubicin–DNA adducts, Michal Ugarenko, Abraham Nudelman, Biochemical Pharmacology, Volume 79, Issue 3, 1 February 2010, Pages 339-349. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2009....

Example 6: Hydrotropic oligomer-conjugated glycol chitosan as a carrier of paclitaxel: Synthesis, characterization, and in vivo biodistribution, G. Saravanakumar, Kyung Hyun Min, et al., Journal of Controlled Release, Volume 140, Issue 3, 16 December 2009, Pages 210-217.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2...

Example 8: Moulting of insect tracheae captured by light and electron-microscopy in the metathoracic femur of a third instar locust Locusta migratoria, Edward P. Snelling, Roger S. Seymour, Sue Runciman, Journal of Insect Physiology, Volume 57, Issue 9, September 2011, Pages 1312-1316. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys....

Example 9: Biodegradable star HPMA polymer–drug conjugates: Biodegradability, distribution and anti-tumor efficacy, Tomáš Etrych, Lubomír Kovář, et al., Journal of Controlled Release, Volume 154, Issue 3, 25 September 2011, Pages 241-248.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2...

Example 12: Automatic inference of articulated spine models in CT images using high-order Markov Random Fields, Samuel Kadoury, Hubert Labelle, Nikos Paragios, Medical Image Analysis, Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2011, Pages 426-437.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.media.201...

Example 14: Modifying organic/metal interface via solvent treatment to improve electron injection in organic light emitting diodes, Q. Wang, Y. Zhou, Organic Electronics, Volume 12, Issue 11, November 2011, Pages 1858-1863. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.orgel.201...