Art gives insight into medical research

A former post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Biochemistry, Dr Burns was commissioned by the Medical Research Council to produce a series of paintings inspired by the scientific work that it funds. The exhibition includes artwork inspired by the work of Oxford researchers including DNA chip technology, the prevention of heart disease, imaging of the living brain and a possible HIV vaccine.

Dr Burns' aim is to bridge what she sees as a widening gap between scientists and non-scientists. She hopes her exhibition will depict the beauty of biomedical research, provide an insight into how science is done, and reveal what motivates the personalities behind the science.

She explained: 'My idea for this unique project came from the Medical Research Council's mission "to promote public engagement with medical research". It's been a very rewarding experience to apply scientific knowledge to art to reveal the beauty and complexity of life.'

A selection of paintings created by 8-11 year old pupils including artwork from Oxford schools will also be exhibited.

Medical Research Revealed will be on display at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History until 30th July 2004.