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Sally Pirie, professor of education, recently delivered an invited lecture at the University of Michigan School of Social Work as part of their Grand Rounds series. 

Her Oct. 29 talk, “Necessary Whimsy: Comics-based Research, Art, and Near Enemies,” provided an overview of comics-based research (CBR) methods, delved into their role in both data analysis and study dissemination, and addressed their relationship with other visual arts-based research approaches. 

Pirie also discussed the concept of “Near Enemies,” including how developments in AI intersect with CBR practice, and provided practical tips and recommendations on integrating whimsy and comics into research.

The lecture series is connected with the “Grand Challenges for Social Work” initiative, the flagship program of the American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare.