Introduction Science and Popular Audio-Visual Media

Abstract

Our introduction to this special issue on science and popular audio-visual media sheds light on the intricate interconnections between science (and discourses about science) and different popular audio-visual media. Focusing on the topics of global warming and the ongoing pandemic, on the one hand, and the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy, on the other, we illustrate some functions of science and scientists in audio-visual media and also turn to the history of photography and motion pictures and their significance as both scientific tools and entertainment media, before briefly introducing the individual essays included in this issue.