Ardán and CÚRAM are delighted to announce a new Science on Screen animation commission for 2025!

An animator is being sought to create a one-minute 2D animation, to explain a research project being developed at CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices based at University of Galway. The goal is to create an animation which can communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way for public and patient audiences. 

CÚRAM have outlined a project which will have an animation created for it by an animator with a total budget of €5,000, a duration of 50-60 seconds and a time frame of 12 weeks to complete.  

The animator will be provided with a draft script for the animation and will work with the research team to develop and produce the final piece, receiving feedback throughout the process from CÚRAM, Ardán and the researcher. 

Previous animations made through the Science on Screen Animation Commission Initiative can be found here.  

Application guidelines:

• Animators can apply as an individual or as a team. 
• The applicants must be habitually resident in Ireland. 
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or over. 
• Students in full time education are not eligible to apply. 
• The animator must be able to show through their portfolio their ability to create a high-quality animation which can represent the Science on Screen brand. 
• The deadline for receipt of applications is 5PM on Thursday 22nd May 2025. 

Application requirements:

• Cover Letter 
• Project Outline including mood board / visual examples for how you would see the research project. Rough sketches / imagery are welcome but not mandatory. 
• A CV for each member of the team containing relevant experience.  
• Online link to the showreel, or previous animation work for each member of the team (PDF format). 
• Budget for how the €5,000 will be spent on the production. 
• Applicants must be available for online interview on 4th – 6th June 2025 
• Applications can be made via this Form  

All questions about this animation commission can be sent to kenny@ardan.ie 

The project available for the animation is: 

‘Saor Track’ by Professor Pádraig Cantillon Murphy  

Project Description: X-rays revolutionized medical imaging but their ionizing radiation poses risks. Engineers have spent decades developing magnetic navigation as a safer, radiation-free alternative for guiding instruments inside the body. However, existing magnetic sensors are costly, wired, and hard to manufacture. After 10 years of work, we developed the Anser EMT sensor—a low-cost, wireless magnetic sensor built on a silicon chip, similar to smartphone tech. It enables accurate, safe, and affordable instrument tracking without x-rays, and may soon guide capsule endoscopes for improved bowel disease diagnosis.  

About CÚRAM: 

CÚRAM is a world-leading research centre funded through Research Ireland, with expertise in medical device technology. With ten partner universities and multiple industry partners, CÚRAM’s aim is to improve the quality of life for people suffering from chronic health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and Parkinson’s disease.  

Medical device research and development is based on multidisciplinary research involving basic or discovery-oriented research through applied and translational science. Given the complexities involved, communicating about this research to public audiences can present a challenge for researchers.  

Education and Public Engagement (EPE) is a core activity at CÚRAM and the EPE Team is involved in a variety of innovative programmes aimed at engaging all audiences with its research. Science on Screen (a partnership between CÚRAM and Árdan) is one of these programmes that provides opportunities for collaboration between our researchers and creative artists. These collaborative projects help create a better understanding and awareness of CÚRAMs research and its importance in and for society. 

Since 2016, Science on Screen has produced ten short-form science documentaries based on the research being undertaken by CÚRAM researchers. These films have reached an audience of over one million people worldwide, earned six international awards and have been screened at over 30 film festivals in 17 countries. 

About Ardán:

Ardán (meaning platform or stage in Irish) is a registered charity based in the CREW Enterprise and Innovation Hub, Wellpark Road, Galway city, and operating in the West of Ireland and beyond. We support creatives in the audio-visual industry, in film, TV, games, and animation, through funding, training, and events, and by providing opportunities for entry, emerging, and established individuals working in the screen sector.

Previously Galway Film Centre, Ardán rebranded in 2022 to reflect the broader geographic and sectoral focus of the organisation which includes the greater Western Region and newer industry sectors including games and animation.

Within its screen talent development remit, Ardán manages the Galway UNESCO City of Film designation, WRAP (Western Region Audio Visual Producers’ Fund), the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama, the annual FÍS TV and Games Summits (FÍS means screen in Irish), and Ardán is the Chair of the Western AV Forum collective.

Ardán also co-manages several other funding and training opportunities including the CÚRAM Science on Screen Documentary and Animation Commission, the RTÉ Short Film Commission, the national Digital Games Portfolio with Imirt, Innovative Gamified Solutions (IGS), and much more.