An innovative exhibition that aims to present complicated science in a simple-to-understand and artistic way will be hosted by The University of Western Australia as part of National Science Week.

The Art of Discovery, opening on Monday 17 August, showcases creative works from researchers and students, highlighting the stories, challenges and discoveries behind scientific research through art and visual storytelling.

Exhibition categories include The Art of Failure (experiments that didn’t work); The Art of Success; The Life of a Scientist; and Art Inspired by Science.

The event is an initiative of UWA’s BioZone, a collaborative program that brings together researchers from various disciplines to foster an environment for transdisciplinary research and development.

PhD candidate Dane Webster, from UWA’s School of Human Sciences, said BioZone aimed to engage young researchers, including undergraduates, honours and PhD students, in science events to create transdisciplinary research and collaboration.

“This art-science event enables us to include all types of research in an exhibit and by presenting science as art we can help bridge understanding of complex scientific ideas,” Mr Webster said.

“Earlier this year, we brought these ideas together and were successful in achieving an Inspiring WA National Science Week grant.”

The BioZone art-science team includes Mr Webster, Emma Knowling, Edana Ritchie, Alexandra O’Brien, Melissa Foong, Min Lee, Joshua Sone and Professor Jennifer Rodger, Head of Brain Plasticity Research at Perron Institute and UWA.

The Art of Discovery exhibition is sponsored by BioZone, Perron Institute, Qiagen, Zeiss and Leica.

The gala opening night will take place on Thursday 20 August from 4pm at the Bayliss Building at UWA’s Crawley campus. The exhibition is open 9am to 5pm from Monday 17 August until Friday 21 August.