DOCUMENT

8 Headlines Although research concepts, theories and practices have evolved over time, the need to visualise them has remained and persisted. Our understanding of the brain has advanced and so too has the way we view this progression. For some it is just a cell, an organ, a small sliver of science but for others, these images of evolution are art. Art takes many different forms, it can be a painting of rich vibrant colours of an inanimate object or moment in time. For others, it is a warm summer breeze and the bright sunlight streaming through treetops. And for the rare group of people who are pioneers in their exploration of the human brain, their art is found skin deep, in the very cells that make us who we are. ‘Flashes of Brilliance’ by the Neurological Foundation is combining the creativeness, uniqueness, and talent of researchers throughout New Zealand to show us the beauty they see daily. Under a microscope, in a scan or x-ray or on a computer screen – their art is the combination of their passion for discovery and the most complex organ humans have. Through ‘Flashes of Brilliance’ we want to introduce everyone across New Zealand to the beauty that is more than skin deep; through the lens of a microscope and the eyes of these researchers who are on a mission to help those one in five living with a neurological condition. Flashes of Brilliance is a photographic competition for neurological researchers in New Zealand and will be judged by a panel of experts. There will be four prizes to be won, first, second and third and people’s choice, and all entries will be available to the public to be viewed on our contest website, flashesofbrilliance.co.nz. The People’s Choice award will be awarded to the entry with the most votes by the public. There will be one round of voting by a panel of judges to decide the finalists, and one round of voting by the public to decide the People’s Choice winner. All four winners will have the opportunity for their artwork to be promoted throughout New Zealand by the Neurological Foundation. In addition to the first place monetary prize, the first place winner will also have their artwork displayed at events the Neurological Foundation hosts with the opportunity to speak about the inspiration for their artwork, and the research behind the photo. All prize winners will have PR opportunities associated with the contest as well, which will provide the opportunity to link directly to the research that has inspired the piece. Our hope is that this contest will encourage researchers across New Zealand to share their inspiration and passion for their research. To give us a glimpse into their world under a microscope and to show us the beauty behind something so complex and at times betraying. When loved ones watch their family, friends or colleagues live through a neurological condition, something so beautiful can quickly turn ugly. Our goal is that this contest will shine a new light on the complexities of the human brain, even in someone’s darkest moments. Join us while we build a new pathway by combining the beauty of science with the creativity of art. You can vote for your favourite Art in Neuroscience by visiting flashesofbrilliance.co.nz before 30 November 2020 Celebrating the A rt of Neuroscience Art and neuroscience have been intertwined for centuries. Early researchers, curious about the human brain, would draw what they saw. These renderings, although science-based, were also artistic, and would play a crucial role in helping future researchers explore and understand our most vital organ – the brain.