Old news

> I have started writing some pieces for LabLit, the excellent web site where art, literature and science meet. One piece is on Horizon's Panspermia Programme and another on the annoying meme "in my DNA". The latter article was also picked up on by the Wired Blog. More articles to follow I hope.

> I was awarded one of the 30 NESTA Crucible Fellowships for 2006. This means I joined other scientists from a diversity of different disciplines (e.g. vulcanology to virology) - all interested in bigger issues surrounding sciences - such as public engagement and science communication, the place of science in society, governance and science policy, globalisation and sustainability. When I have time I will write a piece on this. Meanwhile take a look at some photos of the second lab (Cambridge and London) the third lab (Dartington in Devon) and the extra-special fourth lab (York) - go here.

> I was co-chair of the School of Life Science's Postdoc Association 2005/2006 from its launch. I was also responsible for designing and maintaining its website (take a look here - be kind), strategy, external relations and other things. I am passionate about inproving the plight of postdocs and try to influence science policy in Scotland and the UK.

> I got involved in the fledgling National Research Staff Association in 2005/6. More on this later - sadly it's STILL not grown up yet. There is also an experiment in using Nature Network as a communication mechanism. See here for details.

>Nikon Prize: One of my images won 14th Prize in the Nikon Small World Microscopy Competition 2005. It will be part an exhibition touring over 30 Science centres and Art venues across the USA in 2005/2006. It was highlighted on the BBC Scotland Website.

> Wellcome Trust Biomedical Image Award 2005: One of my images has been selected to be exhibited at the Wellcome Trust - one of 24 images in the 2005 Biomedical Image Awards, opened in London 13th July 2005. See the image here.

> In 2005 I ran the Great North Run (half marathon) for The Antony Nolan Trust and raised >£1,200 Find out more here. New Year's Resolution 2007 - Do more running......

Public Engagement
" Sci-Art" and more

Over the last few years I have developed a long-standing interest in conveying science to a wider audience. This has taken the form of microscopy images of cells (see the images on the right for examples - more on the Sci-Art page) some of which have won prizes and hence generated local and national press interest. Some have been exhibited in galleries as far afield as San Francisco, others have been incorporated into films. I have also put together an exhibition for the local Science centre aimed at explaining cell division to school children. I have taken a couple of science communication courses and even took part in Fame Lab 2006. Latterly I have been responsible for putting together the University of Dundee's strategy for public engagement.

> In collaboration with a local 3D artist John McGhee (School of Television and Imaging in the Duncan of Jordanstone Art College [link]) we have used visualisation tools commonly employed in the games and animation industry to explore the 3D visualisation of cancer cells and their inner workings. The long term aim is to help cancer patients visualise and understand their disease. We hope to get funding for more work this. We have embryonic website - see www.envisage.me.uk for details.

The collaboration grew out of the University of Dundee's Inspiration and Discovery Initiative which aims to use "science" as an inspiration for a series of major art works. [more info]. This also led to the involvement with sculptor David Mach [link] who has created "BioWoman" and an exhibition in Singapore.

This year I also hope to find time to take part in the Designs for Life Project run by Paul Harrison a printmaker based in the Visual Research Centre (VRC). This project is funded by Wellcome Trust and takes scientists into the printmaking study and allows them to use their research as the inspiration for a series of screen prints. The prject is also working closely with Dundee City Council's Leisure and Communities Team to bring a range of different people in to use art as a catalyst for learning about science.