Photography competition
When discussing ethical and social issues associated with genetics, it can be difficult to put thoughts into words. The ‘Human Genetics and Society’ photography competition was launched to give people chance to express their views on genetics in a novel way. The competition invited entrants to submit photographs about how they felt human genetics affected life in modern society.
The competition was run in 2004 and entries were received from all around the world. The eighteen strongest images were selected for exhibition in 2005 and put on display.The entries covered a wide range of subject matter, including:
- heredity and similarities between family members
- living with genetic conditions
- the dangers and promise of genetic research
- the creation of a genetic underclass
The photographs expressed views and feelings that were often subtle and complex, displaying a range of opinions on the benefits and threats of human genetics.
This project received the support of celebrities Lenny Henry and Jon Snow, both of whom are patrons of genetic support groups. Brian Griffin, an internationally-renowned portrait photographer, also kindly agreed to donate his time and be a member of the judging panel. Olympus UK kindly agreed to support the competition and provide three prizes for the winners. We thank them for their support.
The exhibition was curated by Professor John Hyatt, Manchester Metropolitan University, who used greenhouses to display the images. The exhibition launched in May 2005 at the Nowgen Centre. The images have since been displayed in a number of 
venues, including Science Oxford in Headington and the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh.
Download the Nowgen Digest 4 (3137kb) ‘Human Genetics and Society’ to see all photographs that were selected for the exhibition.
