Art of Research competition highlights the creative side to McMaster research

There are thousands of spectacular photos and eye-catching images that appear in every corner of campus; from lab and office walls adorned with Scotch-taped printouts and reproductions, to hallways showcasing research posters and artistic representations of research data. We’ve all seen web pages created by faculty, staff and students that feature photographs and images that reflect the fascinating patterns found under a microscope, the beauty of nature, and the resiliency of the human spirit.

“We’re challenging the McMaster community to step back from their computers, lab benches and research instruments to share the photography and images they’ve captured or created that are – in many ways – works of art,” says Allison Sekuler, Acting Vice-President, Research.

“Our inaugural Art of Research competition wants to celebrate the compelling and inspiring research conducted by the McMaster community, and recognize and reward their inherent creativity.”

McMaster’s Art of Research competition features five themed categories (Beyond the Naked Eye, Fieldwork, Connecting to our Communities, Research in Action, and International) plus a People’s Choice award for the image or photograph that garners the most votes during an online voting period. There are first place prizes of $500 and second place prizes of $250 for each themed category, as judged by a multidisciplinary selection panel.

The competition is open to McMaster University students, staff, faculty, alumni and retirees.

Sekuler notes the importance of sharing our research, scholarly and artistic work with the McMaster community and the public at large, and to that end, all submissions will be showcased on the Research at McMaster website, on Twitter #MacArtOfResearch and Facebook, with winning submissions published in IQ (McMaster’s Research magazine). The Vice President Research office will celebrate the contest winners and display the Art of Research entries at a public exhibition in the spring.

Participants have until March 28 to submit their images.

For complete details about The Art of Research competition categories, guidelines, rules and application form, visit the website.