Tree of Life Competition
To encourage community, creativity and support for wellbeing we ran a competition to create biological decorations for our trees. Pieces were judged anonymously based on originality and beauty, to also reflect themes in our Department.
“This competition far exceeded our expectations in terms of participation and skill level. Everyone
deserved a prize and if it had been a more normal Xmas we would have raised our glasses
together. We chose 4 that stood out in terms of skill level, visual appeal and humour. The runners
up prizes represent the reality of life in the Department.”
Judges: Professor Fran Platt, Professor Liliana Minichiello and Dr Lizzie Burns
Winners
 | “Happy Christmas!” – from the Dora/Garland Lab “very nicely executed” “skilfully represented heart” “attractive decoration showing the anatomy of heart. Visually appealing and great colour mixing.” |
 | “Dopamine ––“a feel good guy” chosen for its role in striatal development; sports which I love taking part in my free time!” by Anezka Macey Dave Ellender /Anthony “a lot of skill and good colours” “a well executed molecular structure which is a challenge with the materials provided. Very much liked the meaning bringing the scientific relevance into life more widely. We have all been needing a bit of fun loving dopamine over this time. Love the tiny mask!” |
 | “A neurosecretory neuron and its astrocytes” From Lora Mortucci “very skilful” “beautifully made neurosecretory cell” “shows great technical skill alongside a |
 | “Rosehip cell – named after their large axonal boutons which look like rosehips or Christmas “very artistic!” “complex and well executed and colourful” “A really beautiful flowing structure with relevance to research and finding links with a festive spirit of decoration. Well crafted, aesthetically appealing and relevant.” |
Runner's Up
“Wishing you all Xmas” – James, Security “absolutely gorgeous!” “made me laugh” “on first sight it's hard to see what aspect of research this conveys; but on reading the label all is revealed. Fantastic that James our security man who keeps our members safe has entered the competition and got the 'Tree of Life' started downstairs with his strength and enthusiasm” |  |
“Microscope” – (Zohal, Vascular Pharmacology) “a beautifully formed and colour mixed tiny microscope at the heart of so much research to learn and wonder at what we see.” |  |
“I am the lab uniform – a dirty lab coat!” by Lianne, Galione Lab “love it!” “I really like this” “the reality of being a researcher. This is an image we all recognise and appreciate that it's not the perfect white lab coat.” |  |