Imagining the Brain is:
A dialogue about science, especially neuroscience.
An artistic expression of science and its wider implications.
In its seventh year, Imagining the Brain is invites local students from years 10-13 to communicate science to a diverse audience. Young people produce works of art on set topics and the work, exhibited here, is judged by professional artists and scientists. One (or more) of the prize-winners may then invited to spend some time in the laboratory producing artwork that aims to communicate the cutting edge of LMB science.
This work is used by us to communicate science to other scientists in the form of journal illustrations, poster backgrounds and slides for use at meetings and also to communicate to a wider public, for instance, their use at the Dana Centre for the public understanding of science and to enhance scientific talks that we give at local schools.
Past works by our participants have gone on to be used at international scientific conferences, to illustrate journal articles and course brochures.
Report from an 'Artist In Residence'
"I have found my residency at the MRC a really awe-inspiring experience. It has been an honour to be allowed into the lab and have the various projects explained to me and I feel so lucky to have been involved in the initiative. The 'Imagining The Brain' competition is a rare and very valuable opportunity for young people to explore their interests in both art and science, which I think is fantastic. The project has encouraged me to explore areas of enquiry in my art that I would not have previously considered and due to this I have found the process hugely stimulating and interesting. It is not often that someone of my age can have access to what is going on at the very forefront of science, and I cannot thank everybody at the MRC enough for being so kind in showing me their work and encouraging me with my art work." Lucinda Dawkins, Cambridge
Report from Head of Art, Netherhall Sixth Form Centre
"We have taken part in Imagining the Brain since 2006. The talks are so exciting and cutting edge science is presented in clear language in a way we can all understand. The aim of the topics is to ask questions that are important to both artists and scientists: Who are we? What happens when our brains don't work properly? How does life work? My students get a lot out of the project. They love the exhibition and it is really exciting after concentrating on the curriculum to have this artistic space where they can freely explore something completely different. Yvonne's enthusiasm for science and her ability to talk about very complex subjects in an easy and understandable way has opened a lot of doors for students and staff here.
Report from Head of Art, Impington Village College
"Imagining the Brain is a brilliant initiative. Yvonne comes to the Sixth Form annually and gives talks structured around the requirement of the Theory of Knowledge component of the International Baccalaureate. The talks are gripping, for both staff and students and encourage all of us to think in new directions. The exhibitions have been very good for Impington students, allowing several pupils to really achieve their potential as serious artists. Understanding a bit more about the nuts and bolts of how their brains work engages even the students who had decided that science wasn't for them. As an art teacher, I am impressed with the way that that my pupils are inspired by the science topics.
I hope Imagining the Brain continues long into the future.