Beaker Street Science Photography Prize 2025: Celebrating Visual Science

HOBART, Australia — The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize is set to showcase its finalists for 2025 at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery from August 6 to August 31, coinciding with the annual Beaker Street festival. This year’s exhibition will feature an unprecedented highlight—the first-ever image of a wild eastern quoll glowing under ultraviolet (UV) light, a significant advancement in wildlife photography and an illustration of the intersection between art and science.

The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize aims to celebrate and promote the scientific endeavor through the lens of photography, inviting participants to present visual narratives that highlight various scientific principles and phenomena. This initiative, launched in 2016, has since grown in popularity, reflecting the increasing public interest in science and its relevance to everyday life.

According to Dr. Fiona Smith, Director of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, “This prize encourages not only artistic expression but also fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts among the general public. It bridges the gap between art and science, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.”

Among the notable entries this year is a photograph titled “The Magic Rat and His Slick Machine,” captured by Benjamin Alldridge, which showcases the scientific value of specialized camera equipment. This piece exemplifies how innovative photography techniques can reveal intricate details of scientific phenomena that are often overlooked.

Another compelling submission, titled “Your Hand in Mine” by Jordan Cripps, depicts the awe-inspiring aurora australis. This photograph captures a couple standing on the tessellated pavement as they observe the geomagnetic phenomenon illuminating the night sky. Cripps notes, “The patterns formed by the rocks are a testament to Earth’s geological history, while the aurora serves as a reminder of the wonders of our natural world.”

Additionally, Chelsea Bell’s “Crystalline Forest” utilizes macrophotography to explore the delicate beauty of ice crystals forming on Nothofagus gunnii leaves. This image reveals the interplay of temperature and moisture, illustrating the microclimatic conditions that govern ecological interactions in Tasmanian forests.

The prize also seeks to highlight less commonly known species and ecological processes. For instance, Alison McNeice’s photograph “PhotosyntheSlug” captures the elusive cactus sea slug, demonstrating its remarkable camouflage against the algae it feeds on. This entry underscores the importance of biodiversity and the intricate relationships within ecosystems.

Sarah Lloyd’s “Slime moulds” showcases the often-overlooked role of slime molds in soil health. By documenting these organisms in their natural habitat, the photograph emphasizes their ecological significance and the need for conservation efforts.

Each of these works contributes to a broader conversation about the relationship between humans and the natural environment. It encourages viewers to reflect on the impact of human activities on wildlife and the importance of preserving biodiversity. As David Nolan, a participant in the exhibition, mentions, “Photographs like these are not just art; they are educational tools that can inspire change in how we interact with our environment.”

The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a catalyst for discussions around critical scientific issues. As the exhibition approaches, it promises to engage the community and foster a renewed appreciation for the scientific world, exemplifying the vital role of photography in elucidating complex concepts.

The finalists’ works will be judged by a panel of experts, including Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Biology at the University of Tasmania, and representatives from various scientific and artistic communities. The winners will be announced during the festival, further amplifying the voices of both artists and scientists in the ongoing dialogue about the importance of science in our daily lives.