The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute’s Art of Science exhibition, 11-20 August at Melbourne’s Federation Square, is a visual journey telling stories of exploration and discovery from the front line of Australian medical research.

Held during National Science Week, the exhibition features images and movies captured by Institute scientists as they work to understand, prevent and treat cancers, infectious diseases and immune disorders.

See ‘CCTV footage’ of cancer cells invading bone; a mammary gland during lactation; deadly parasites that resemble neon flowers; and what happens when you grow a lung in a laboratory.

Art of Science 2017 awards

Art of Science is also a showcase for the 20 finalists from the Institute's annual Art of Science competition, a tradition that has been running for more than a decade.

This year, the competition’s esteemed finalist judges were the inaugural director of Science Gallery Melbourne Rose Hiscock, former Institute director Sir Gustav Nossal and contemporary Koorie artist Robert Young.

Still image category

• First place – Roots by Casey Ah-Cann
• Second place – Protein smoke by Ashleigh Kropp
• Third place – Parasite bouquet by Simona Seizova

Moving image category

• First place – Bloom by Bianca Capaldo and Caleb Dawson
• Second place – In the eye of the beholder by Stephen Mieruszynski and Leigh Coultas
• Third place – Quiet reflection by Leigh Coultas, Stephen Mieruszynski and Lachlan Whitehead

The public can vote for their favourite at the exhibition in the People’s Choice Awards for the chance to win a framed print of choice. Institute volunteers will be in The Atrium between 10am-6pm throughout the exhibition period, to show visitors around and answer questions.

Imaging at the Institute

Head of the Institute’s Centre for Dynamic Imaging Dr Kelly Rogers leads a team with expertise in biology, physics and maths who develop equipment as well as train, advise and collaborate with researchers on their projects.

Dr Rogers said advances in imaging technology were crucial to visualising intricate biological systems that could not possibly be seen with the naked eye.

“The Institute has an in-house team dedicated to supporting researchers visualise their studies.

“We have the increasing ability to look at biology in 4D – that’s getting up close and personal with biology in its natural environment, at all scales and in real time. It’s an exciting time to be working at the field’s cutting-edge.

“Art of Science is a spectacular display of how imaging can reveal how the body functions normally and how diseases develop, spread and respond to treatment,” Dr Rogers said.

Art of Science

Free exhibition at Federation Square, Melbourne

11-20 August 2017, during National Science Week

For further information contact Media Advisor Arunee Wilson: 

Ph: +61 3 9345 2719
Mob: +61 475 751 811
Email: wilson.a@wehi.edu.au