It is precisely these types of images that are evaluated by the Science as Art competition, which was part of the international 2026 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Among the recognised authors was our colleague, Ajith Parambil, from the Nanotechnology Centre, which is part of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies. His work succeeded in the competition's three-round evaluation process, from which the jury selected 25 finalists. Their images were subsequently showcased directly at the conference, where the final judging was followed by the announcement of the winners. Ajith brought home both a certificate and a financial award from Honolulu. 
The Science as Art competition showcases materials research from a less conventional perspective. Images that are normally used to analyse the structure, surface, or properties of materials are presented here as visually striking results of scientific endeavour. They demonstrate that even highly specialised research can be accessible and engaging for the wider public.
The MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit is one of the most prominent international gatherings in the field of materials research. It brings together experts from universities, research institutions, and industry, covering topics ranging from energy materials and nanotechnology to advanced characterisation, computational methods, and artificial intelligence in the development of new materials.
Dr Ajith Parambil’s participation in the conference was funded by the project MSCA Fellowships CZ at VSB-TUO 3.0, registration number CZ.02.01.01/00/22_010/0013280.