Creative arts meets biology - a collaborative project between arts and science

In a collaborative project between the University for the Creative Arts (UCA, Chatham) and the School of Biosciences, University of Kent, we aim to bridge the gap between capturing the elegance of life and scientific knowledge. To this aim we have produced resources in the form of computer-generated animations (CGA) of biological and biomedical processes. These animations are designed to combine scientific accuracy with the aesthetics and beauty of nature. The audience should immerse itself into the magic of life; while at the same time see accurate details of what is happening in nature on a microscopic level. We have identified topics in biology, which we believe to be interesting to the general public. The science behind these topics has been converted by CGA artists into engaging animations. The intended audience for these animations is the interested public, GCSE, AS and A-level students and also to some extent students in Higher Education. The generated animations have been made public through Youtube and Vimeo and have also been utilized in undergraduate teaching. Comments on these animations have been very positive and encouraging, indicating the value of these animations to learners