Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research are used to challenges. They are looking for cures to major illnesses like cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, immune disorders and brain disorders. So when invited to fuse their research with art and compete in Garvan’s in-house Science as Art project they were more than up to the challenge – and the results are surprising.

Inspired by the theme Doors to Discovery Garvan scientists created stunning images reflecting the mysteries and intricacies of their breakthrough research, many from under the microscope.

The images were displayed at Garvan’s recent Open Day where visitors could vote for the “People’s Choice” award. The winner was Tina Selinger for Cellular Fireworks (pictured). Her work features the trademark Sydney Harbour celebrations represented by manipulated fluorescent cellular images.

First prize was awarded to Jane Reznick for Malevich Does a Western Blot. Her stark contemporary image was inspired by Kazimir Malevich’s famous painting Black Square evoking a sensation of the unknown before the doors to discovery open and the unknown materialises into answers. Dr Laurent Pangon took out second prize with Dandelion which depicts the innocence and curiosity of a child blowing the seeds of a dandelion represented by a cancer cell.

Garvan thanks Gareth Evans, Group General Manager Finance, Network, Operations and Pricing from Qantas, artist Lindy Lee and Geoff Gray, Chairman of graysonline.com.au for judging Science as Art.

Qantas generously provided domestic and international air travel to Science As Art winners. These prizes enable Garvan scientists to travel to a key conference or laboratory to further their education and careers.