Striking science images reveal the beauty of medical research

This annual competition invites researchers, staff and students from the Centenary Institute to submit striking scientific images generated through their work that also have artistic or aesthetic appeal.

The top prize for 2025 was awarded to the stunning image titled ‘Dark Transit’, submitted by Dr Angela Ferguson from the Institute’s Centre for Cancer Innovations. The image maps the complex landscape of cells within liver tumours, helping researchers understand why some patients experience disease progression and poorer outcomes. This work is also paving the way for the discovery of new therapeutic targets to improve treatment options for liver cancer patients.

Second place went to ‘Confetti Snowdome’, an arresting image showing colourful stem cells in a mouse cornea. This work helps trace how these cells repair and regenerate the cornea over time. The image was created by Dr Mojdeh Abbasi from the Institute’s Centre for Cancer Innovations who is researching how stem cell therapy delivered via contact lenses could one day help restore sight lost to corneal disease.

Third place was awarded to ‘Unseen Currents: Sudden Death in the Young’, submitted by PhD student Yuchen Chang from the Institute’s Centre for Cardiovascular Research. The image visualises the silent and unpredictable nature of sudden cardiac death in young people, contributing to research that aims to guide future prevention strategies and raise public health awareness.

Professor Marc Pellegrini, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute, said the images highlight not only the groundbreaking science taking place across the Institute but also the extraordinary visual beauty that often emerges in the pursuit of discovery.

“Every year, we are amazed by the creativity, skill and scientific curiosity of our researchers,” Professor Pellegrini said.

“These images give us a glimpse into the hidden worlds of cells, molecules and disease processes. They remind us that science can inspire and captivate just like art.”

Established in 2009, the Centenary Institute’s image prize is awarded annually, with winners selected by an independent panel of external judges. The Institute thanks all judges for their time and expertise – Annette Larkin of Annette Larkin Fine Art, Professor Antoine van Oijen at the University of Sydney and Sophie Scott OAM.

The public is invited to vote online for their favourite image in the ‘People’s Choice Award’ component of the prize, which is open now.