Scientific illustrator
PhD Thesis Cover Illustrations for Researchers
Turn your research into a visual story
Finished your PhD and looking for an illustration for your thesis cover that actually reflects what you've discovered?
I create bespoke PhD thesis cover illustrations for researchers, drawing on nearly a decade of experience as a trusted illustrator for Springer Nature, alongside long-term partnerships with leading institutions such as UZ Leuven, UZ Gent, and Kom op tegen Kanker.
My scientific and editorial illustrations have been featured by The Lancet, National Geographic, University of Antwerp, HOGENT and FWO. I translate complex research into a clear, engaging visual story — capturing the essence of your work while making your thesis stand out. Feel free to browse my PhD cover illustration library below.
Whether your research is about cancer, immunology, dermatology, endocrinology, renewable energy, aging or artificial intelligence, the starting point is always the same: understanding the research behind the image.
From there, I turn your scientific story into a cover illustration that is meaningful, distinctive and unmistakably yours.
PhD thesis cover illustration — cancer research
Could we learn to stay ahead of cancer?
For Jilke De Wilde at VIB and Ghent University, the research explored how DNA signals from blood and tissue samples could help us better understand and classify cancer.
The cover illustration takes inspiration from the concept of the epigenetic landscape, combining a mountainous landscape with microscopic structures inspired by visualizations of transcribing chromatin. The result turns an abstract scientific concept into a visual journey through the research.
PhD thesis cover illustration — personalized psoriasis treatment
Lisa Schots investigated the use of biologics in psoriasis. At its core, her research is grounded in personalized medicine: moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach toward treatment strategies that are precisely tailored to the individual patient. The aim is to improve therapeutic outcomes while ensuring more efficient, targeted, and affordable care.
The thesis illustration was selected by the faculty to represent their ongoing research and was subsequently published as the magazine cover of The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. A special thanks to Rani Soenen for her continued trust and for helping to bring this cover art to The Lancet.
PhD thesis cover illustration — immuno-oncology
Annabel Meireson's research investigated the complex interaction between biomarkers, cancer cells and the immune system in the search for more targeted cancer treatments.
For the thesis cover, microscopic and molecular imagery was combined with a human element to visualise the relationship between scientific discovery, the immune system and personalised treatment.
PhD thesis cover illustration — endocrinology
Bones may look static, but they are living tissue in constant motion.
Charlotte Verroken researched bone health and metabolism, focusing on the hormonal processes that regulate how bone is continuously broken down and rebuilt.
The illustration translates this dynamic process into a visual story about the human skeleton, hormones and the constantly changing nature of bone tissue.
PhD thesis cover illustration — personalised psoriasis treatment
Skin diseases can affect people of all ages, and treatment does not necessarily work in the same way for everyone.
Rani Soenen investigated how therapeutic drug monitoring could help make psoriasis treatment more personalised and precise.
The thesis cover illustration visualises this idea of personalised care, connecting the individual patient with scientific research and medical decision-making.
The collaboration continued at Ghent University Hospital, where the illustration style was also adopted for a patient brochure about psoriasis and its treatment.
PhD thesis cover illustration — photochemistry
What if some of the building blocks of tomorrow’s solar technology were almost too small to see? Jorick Maes researched colloidal quantum dots — tiny particles with unique properties — and explored their potential in photovoltaic technology.
His work investigates how these materials could open up new possibilities for capturing solar energy.
PhD thesis cover illustration — orthopaedics
Stefaan Van Onsem investigated patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty, focusing on the factors that influence patients' experiences and outcomes following knee replacement surgery.
The illustration brings together the patient, medical professionals and the knee itself to create a human-centred representation of orthopaedic research.
PhD thesis cover illustration — ageing and physical activity
Iris Maes explored physical activity in older adults and how this knowledge could contribute to digital health interventions.
For the cover, we chose a personal approach: my grandmother became the central older figure in the illustration.
She passed away that same year, turning the thesis cover into more than a representation of scientific research. It also became a quiet personal tribute.
Research cover illustration — Hogent
Cover and inside illustrations for the practice-oriented publication: Experience Works?! -
Co-creatively embedding experiential knowledge in your organization, for the EQUALITY ResearchCollective of HOGENT.
Research publication illustration — AI and art
What happens when artificial intelligence enters the world of art?
This research explores how AI challenges our understanding of creativity, human expression and artistic authorship — and where we draw the line between human and machine creativity.
International publications
Curious about where scientific and medical illustration is heading?
Here’s a glimpse of the visual language leading the way in global media and renowned medical journals. This curated selection showcases how complex academic research and editorial stories are transformed into compelling cover art and visual narratives for The Lancet, The Guardian, Springer Nature, and Health Agenda. Let these concepts inspire the visual identity for your own upcoming publication or PhD defense.
From complex research to a compelling thesis cover?
Scientific research can be incredibly complex. A good thesis cover doesn't need to explain every detail — it needs to capture the idea that connects it all.
I start by getting to know your research: what question are you investigating? What discovery, process or concept lies at the heart of your PhD? What image could make that story instantly intriguing?
From there, I develop a visual concept that brings your research to life.
The result is a personalised thesis cover illustration, created specifically for your research rather than adapted from a generic visual language.
Do you work with researchers outside Belgium?
Yes. I work with PhD researchers and universities in Belgium and internationally, creating bespoke scientific illustrations for thesis and dissertation covers. The collaboration can take place remotely, so you don't need to be based in Belgium.
Can you work from my thesis or scientific paper?
Absolutely. Your thesis, abstract, research paper or other scientific material can be the starting point for understanding the research and developing the visual concept.
More than a thesis cover?
One well-developed scientific concept can become a visual identity for your research beyond the thesis itself.
My work has also appeared in international publications including The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, as well as editorial and science communication projects.
What can you illustrate?
I create bespoke illustrations based on the research, subject and story behind your PhD thesis or dissertation. Every project starts with understanding the research, whatever the scientific or academic field.
How quickly can you create a thesis
cover illustration?
I work relatively quickly and can often complete a thesis cover illustration within a short timeframe. You don't necessarily need to contact me several months in advance. If your deadline is approaching, feel free to get in touch — I'll let you know what is possible based on my schedule.
What does your service cover?
A fully tailored design service from start to finish — including cover design (front & back), graphic design, revisions, print-ready files, the complete InDesign package, and illustration variations for your defense.
Selected Clients
