The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute’s annual Art of Science display is a visual journey telling stories of exploration and discovery from the front line of Australian medical research.
The Art of Science celebrates stunning images and movies captured by Institute scientists as they work to understand, prevent and treat cancers, infectious diseases and immune disorders.
The images and movies produced reveal incredible biomedical insights like ‘CCTV footage’ of cancer cells invading bone; a mammary gland during lactation; deadly parasites that resemble neon flowers; how malaria spreads within a population; and what happens when you grow a lung in a laboratory.
Institute director Professor Doug Hilton said Art of Science was a great way to engage students considering a career in medical research. “Art of Science features the work of our laboratory heads right through to the work of our students. I’m proud to say the imaging skill displayed by our younger pioneers is exceptional,” Professor Hilton said.
Head of the Institute's Centre for Dynamic Imaging Dr Kelly Rogers leads a team at the Institute with expertise in biology, physics and maths who develop tools 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.
"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.
Through Art of Science, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute helps to educate the public on research vital for the health of our communities in a way that is accessible and intriguing.