Images of Science consists of eight large outdoor panels, located on the Clyde Walkway next to GSC.  Funded by the Chancellor’s Fund, this project brings the key issues in biological, environmental and medical research to the public of Glasgow.

The project was the brainchild of Dr Kevin O'Dell, Life Sciences Adviser and Senior Lecturer in Biomolecular Science (right), and Robin Hoyle of the GSC (left). Duncan Smith of the GSC was central to the realisation of the project and particularly the production of the striking posters.  All of the images have individual QR codes which, when scanned, take the visitor to a webpage where they can listen to an audio accompaniment to the image in front of them.

At the launch, Professor John Coggins conveyed his excitement at this innovative method of public engagement, which makes people aware of the incredible range of science going on in Glasgow and directly demonstrates the good work which is being done with taxpayers money!

He said: "This display along the quayside is a step forward in engagement between researchers at the University of Glasgow, and the Science Centre. I very much hope it excites the people of Glasgow to the wonders of science, and is a prototype for further engagement. There is great public interest in our industrial research too, and I can imagine more posters lining the rest of the walkway in the future."

A ripple of excitement ran through the audience when the first people strolling along past the display were spotted taking out their smart phones to scan the QR codes, and listen to the interviews with scientists.

Dr Swetha Vijayakrishnan was responsible for the beautiful image accompanying the poster on enzymes. Dr Vijayakrishnan is a member of the research group led by Professor Gordon Lindsay and Dr Olwyn Byron at the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences. Their work is supported by the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Swetha is originally a physicist, but was attracted to come to Glasgow by the interdisciplinary research opportunities available in the University's Centre for Virus Research where she is focusing on influenza.

Dr Byron added: "Swetha's image is brilliant, with great illustrative value borne out by the fact that we were approached by a publisher seeking permission to use it in a standard undergraduate level textbook. Quite thrilling."

You can read more about the exhibition, and listen to the interviews with scientists, on the GSC website.

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First published: 11 November 2011