Mutual (in)visibilities. Animation in-between science and society

The work is a special issue of the Mutual Images Journal on animation in science communication, situating the contributions within broader debates on mediation, representation, and knowledge production. It highlights three interconnected themes: the instrumental use of animation to translate complex scientific phenomena; the ethical tensions between accuracy, engagement, and transparency; and the collaborative, interdisciplinary practices that underpin contemporary visualisation. The issue also reflects on the epistemological limits of visual representation and the implications of current publishing models. Together, the contributions position animation not only as a communicative tool, but as an epistemic practice operating between science and society.