Why should you enter Images of Research 2022?

We’re really excited that Images of Research will be returning on Tuesday 13 December 2022 as a face-to-face event, for the first time in three years. This popular competition invites postgraduate research students from across the university to present an image that encapsulates their research, alongside a 150 word description. Images will be displayed in an inspiring exhibition that celebrates the breadth and diversity of research at Cardiff University. A panel of judges will be awarding prizes up to £200, and attendees will also be able to vote for their favourite image.

All postgraduate research students are welcome to enter, and the deadline is Friday 4 November, 17:00. More information and an application form can be found on the Intranet.

Here, our 2021 winners let us know why entering Images of Research 2022 is an unmissable opportunity:

“It has been wonderful to be part of this year’s Images of Research Exhibition. It was a very welcome way to engage with research across many different disciplines, and it’s fantastic that the Doctoral Academy were able to host the exhibition virtually. There were so many fascinating images, and I am thrilled that my drawing was awarded first place. Creating visual work is a key part of my PhD project, which researches the history and representations of bipolar disorder, and it has been really rewarding to be able to show the work and receive feedback. Thank you very much to the judges and to everyone involved!”

– Cerys Knighton, School of English, Communication and Philosophy, First Prize Winner

“I am so glad to have entered Images of Research 2021 and would encourage anyone who is thinking about entering next year to go for it! Taking part definitely helped to widen my network as I received messages of support and congratulations from academics I otherwise never would have reached. I have also met new peers through the exhibition which is such a joy at this very isolating time.

It was an added privilege to be awarded second place in the competition! There were so many beautiful and inspiring photos on display that it was a real shock to even place! I am so grateful to the DTP for the platform to speak so candidly about the emotional labour involved in researching sensitive topics and the importance of looking after our wellbeing – particularly in these uncertain times!”

– Rosie Moore, School of Social Sciences, Second Prize Winner

“Having completed an undergraduate degree in anatomy, I have since been fascinated by the complex and often beautiful structures of the human body when seen under a microscope. Imaging and microscopy have formed a large part of my PhD project, so I was pleased to be able to share one of my favourite images as my entry for this year’s competition and was delighted to win third prize.

The Images of Research competition is a unique opportunity for researchers to share their work in a creative way with others across the university, who they may not have crossed paths with otherwise. I have really enjoyed seeing all of the other entries this year and gaining an insight into some of the incredibly varied and interesting work taking place within the PGR community.”

– Gemma Davies, School of Biosciences, Third Prize Winner

“Images of Research has been an inspiring, educative opportunity to communicate through artistic visualisations of interesting research throughout the university. It’s introduced me to talented artists and photographers, particularly in science. If I had had time, I would have drawn something, yet I enjoyed creating this photo on my glass dining table. The left half of the photo is an utter reflection to represent molecular chirality while the photo as whole depicts a crystal ball as an optical sensor for detecting chiral molecules.

I was truly overwhelmed by the huge support for my entry from my family and friends in the East and West including my brother’s fans and his archery coach, reminding me of the power of images and information nowadays in promoting the beauty of science and research around the globe..”

– Shaikhah Almousa, School of Physics and Astronomy, People’s Choice Winner