NEWS RELEASE 1 Oct 2001 Winning images reveal artistic appeal of science The ability of science to throw up breathtaking forms and structures - from the delicate and simple to the bold and complex - has been imaginatively demonstrated in this year's Visions of Science Awards. Cancer cells dividing, transforming plankton and the lump-covered Bornean trailing vine seed might not spring immediately to mind as visually striking. But the images produced won high praise from the judges and showed the creative genius lurking out there in the scientific world. Above left: Cancer cells dividing. DR. DAVID BECKER. Best Healthcare image. Above centre: Transforming plankton. MARKUS GEISEN. 1st Science close-up. Above right: Tropical plant seed. FRIEDA CHRISTIE. 1st Science as art. The Visions of Science Awards attracted 700 entries this year. The competition is sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals in association with the Daily Telegraph and the Science Photo Library donated £5,000 of prizes. Maria Storey, Science Photo Library marketing and communications director, said the competition was an important event to help encourage and develop photographers. 'But,' she added, 'it also provided a valuable opportunity to share the fascinating and often beautiful world of scientific imagery with a much wider audience.' There were four picture categories in the competition. Markus Geisen, a micropalaeontologist from the Natural History Museum scored a double first with his shot of transforming marine plankton. He won first prize in the science close-up category. This is also the first time that this species of plankton, which changes appearance during its life, has been seen between its two forms. In the science through the lens category, retired teacher Dr Keith Wheeler's picture of ice crystals was singled out as a winner, with the judges commenting on its stunning colours and attractive composition. Photographer Michael Dunning won the science concepts prize for an arresting image of DNA with a shaft of 'life' through the centre. The judges said they were charmed by the idea of the composite double helix. Above left: Human DNA. MICHAEL DUNNING. 1st Science concepts. Above centre: Ice crystals. DR. KEITH WHEELER. 1st Science through the lens. Above right: Crystals. CHRISTINE HALL. Best under 21. Frieda Christie from Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens won the science as art category with a photograph of a seed from a Bornean trailing vine, which was judged to have 'a superb three-dimensional feel and lovely texture'. The Novartis prize for the best healthcare image went to Dr David Becker for his picture of cancer cells dividing. The judges said the rich colours pushed this entry to the top of the pile. The best image from an under 21-year-old was won by Christine Hall from Worcestershire, for what the judges described as a fine abstract photograph of crystal patterns. The 22 winning and highly commended entries will form an exhibition, which will be on show at science and photographic venues around the country. To find out about the venues or to take a look at this year's winners visit: www.visions-of-science.co.uk For photographs contact Maria Storey, Marketing & Communications Director, Science Photo Library, 327-329 Harrow Road, London W9 3RB Tel: 020 7432 1100 Fax: 020 7286 8668 maria.storey@sciencephoto.com back to Press Releases