An exhibition of the world's best scientific photography

The Royal Photographic Society, in partnership with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), launches an exhibition of the world’s best scientific photography at the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle, on Saturday 31 August. The exhibition also forms part of the British Science Festival taking place in Newcastle from 7-12 September, before touring the UK from 1 October.

Submissions were open internationally with the images chosen by an expert panel of scientific photographers and scientists. The selected images were produced by scientists for their research, recording science in action and highlighting the importance of photography within modern-day science. The visually stunning images range from far-away galaxies to subatomic particles, using specialist imaging techniques such as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR), time lapse and high speed, electron microscopy, thermography, macro and photomicrography, phase contrast microscopy and schlieren photography.

Tardigrade, or Water Bear : 2010. Image credit: Nicole Ottawa

Commenting on the exhibition, Afzal Ansary, the exhibition coordinator, said: “The exhibition is a stunning, colourful, visual feast. What is particularly exciting is that the images highlight the crucial role that photography continues to play in modern science, illustrating the work of scientists and as an essential research tool. This year’s exhibition is outstanding in the breadth of subjects and the quality of work shown.”

Photography has been used in science since it was announced in 1839 and it continues to play a key role across many diverse areas. In astronomy it is used to study the composition of the nebulae and to give us a better understanding of outer space, stars and galaxies, in oceanography it helps to study seafloor geological formations as well as recording the migration and behaviour of marine life, and in medicine it acts as a diagnostic tool. The one hundred selected images are not only outstanding records of their subject but they also provide a wealth of scientific information.

A fully illustrated catalogue with explanatory texts is available from the exhibition venue, priced £10, or online from The Royal Photographic Society at: www.rps.org/IISE2013cat

The exhibition runs from Saturday 31 August until Sunday 30 Septmber at the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle. Admission is free. It will then tour the United Kingdom and Europe. Further information and a current list of venues can be found at: www.rps.org/IISE2013

It has been supported by: British Institute of Professional Photography; Creativity Backgrounds; Loxley Colour; Paul Graham Processing Lab; Science and Technology Facilities Council; Science Photo Library; Towergate Camerasure and Wellcome Images.