Utrecht University
Decoding a hidden biological language
Making frontier science understandable
What if one of biology’s most influential systems operates through a language we can barely read? HS Sequencing is an ambitious European research initiative tackling one of biology’s most complex frontiers: decoding the functional “language” of heparan sulfate. Working in close collaboration with leading researchers, we translated this highly specialised science into a clear, compelling visual story – giving the consortium a shared narrative and a recognisable face that could travel beyond the lab.
Challenge
Heparan sulfate sequencing sits at the intersection of analytical chemistry, biology, and translational medicine. While its potential spans applications from neurodegeneration to cancer, the science itself is notoriously difficult to explain – even across adjacent disciplines. Utrecht University and its partners across Europe needed a way to unify this complexity into a shared story – one that could be understood by non-specialists while remaining scientifically credible and relevant across audiences.
Sensu's approach
Working closely with researchers, we translated cutting-edge analytical chemistry into a narrative that could travel beyond the lab. Together with Utrecht University, we developed a MOD/MOA animation that gives form to an otherwise invisible biological code, using metaphor, rhythm, and visual clarity to connect molecular science to real-world impact – taking Parkinson’s disease as a concrete, human anchor for the research.
This project involved the following service pillars:
Strategy
Branding
Content
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A unifying scientific story
At the heart of the project lies a simple but powerful idea: heparan sulfate as a conductor, orchestrating countless biological processes. This metaphor provided a shared language for a highly interdisciplinary consortium, aligning different fields around a single narrative framework without flattening scientific nuance.
Giving complexity a visual form
HS sequencing involves molecular variation on a scale that resists traditional explanation. Through carefully designed animation, we made these hidden structures and interactions visible – turning abstract analytical techniques into an intuitive visual flow that supports understanding rather than overwhelming it.
“This is an absolutely brilliant video, very impressive end result! Thank you for all the hard work, it looks fantastic!”
Rebecca Miller | Group Leader at University of Copenhagen
From molecules to meaning
Rather than focusing solely on technology, the story connects molecular mechanisms to biological consequence. By using Parkinson’s disease as a concrete point of reference, the animation grounds fundamental research in a tangible medical context, illustrating why decoding HS matters beyond the molecule itself.
Built on long-term collaboration
This project builds on a long-standing relationship between Sensu and Utrecht University, spanning many years of science-driven work. HS Sequencing reflects the same shared belief that shaped previous collaborations with leading researchers: that complex science benefits from clear, carefully crafted storytelling.
Explore Hecklab caseOutcome
The animation now serves as the visual and narrative entry point to the HS Sequencing consortium. It introduces the project to new audiences, establishes a shared language across disciplines, and provides a foundation for future communication as the research evolves – turning scientific complexity into clarity without compromising depth.
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