Prader-Willi Superheroes

Exploring research, identity and care through comics, models and imagination
Project Overview:

Prader-Willi Superheroes is a creative collaboration between scientists, artists, and people living with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Through conversations, drawings, clay models, and co-created comic strips, the project explored lived experiences of PWS and highlighted both the everyday challenges and the unique strengths of those affected.

Led by Professor David Tollervey and supported by a creative team including comic artist Neil Bratchpiece and model-maker Jo Fullerton, the project worked closely with individuals with PWS, their families, carers, and residential support staff in Scotland and around the world. Together, they created powerful visual stories about identity, resilience and scientific discovery.

The resulting artworks formed an exhibition first shown at the IPWSO 2022 conference in Limerick and since shared across the UK and beyond. An online exhibition is freely available.

Team:

  • Prof David Tollervey – University of Edinburgh

  • Neil Bratchpiece – Comic artist

  • Jo Fullerton – Model maker

  • Project support from International PWS Organisation, PWSA-UK, Clare House, and public engagement staff

Download Report
Goals & Activities

  • Co-create visual stories with people affected by PWS and their carers

  • Make biomedical RNA research more relatable and relevant to families

  • Celebrate the creativity and strength of people living with PWS

  • Facilitate conversations between researchers and patient communities

  • Create comics and dioramas based on lived experience

  • Display and tour the resulting exhibition in multiple countries

  • Share the project digitally through an online exhibition and open resources

  • Build researcher confidence and insight through direct patient engagement

Project Outputs

Comic Strips & 3D Dioramas

  • Visual stories based on real people with PWS and the scientists studying RNA. Created from interviews and creative sessions.

Travelling & Virtual Exhibition

  • First displayed at the IPWSO 2022 conference in Limerick, then shown at the BIG Conference in Belfast, Malta Science Festival, and Glasgow Science Centre. Explore the Online Exhibition

Workshops

  • Collaborative sessions at Clare House in Dunblane and international family workshops during the IPWSO weekend. Included model-making, drawing, and Q&As with scientists.

Downloads & Links
Explore the Online Exhibition