Docspace scientific founders, scientist Clare Blackburn and filmmaker Amy Hardie, were awarded the 2013 Tam Dalyell Prize for Excellence in Engaging the Public at a ceremony and lecture in Edinburgh last month.
Launched by the renowned politician and former Rector of the University of Edinburgh, the Tam Dalyell Prize acknowledges the work of outstanding science communicators based at the University.
The prize recognises the body of films Clare and Amy have produced together, most recently the 70 minute feature documentary Stem Cell Revolutions, which tracks the rapid advances made in stem cell research, from its inception after the nuclear attack of Hiroshima in 1945 to its role in society today.
Clare Blackburn said:
Launched by the renowned politician and former Rector of the University of Edinburgh, the Tam Dalyell Prize acknowledges the work of outstanding science communicators based at the University.
The prize recognises the body of films Clare and Amy have produced together, most recently the 70 minute feature documentary Stem Cell Revolutions, which tracks the rapid advances made in stem cell research, from its inception after the nuclear attack of Hiroshima in 1945 to its role in society today.
Clare Blackburn said:
Amy and I have worked together since 2004 and are deeply committed to bringing cutting edge stem cell science to the public. Winning the University of Edinburgh’s Tam Dalyell Prize for outstanding science communication is a great honour.
Clare and Amy were awarded the prize at a ceremony and talk on 7 April in the Playfair Library at the University of Edinburgh. Their talk included film clips, live animation, audience participation and a lively discussion of the latest science. Here's a video of the event.
Noé Mendelle, Director of the Scottish Documentary Institute commented on the award:
We are delighted that Amy Hardie's commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration has been recognised with this award. Dr Hardie and Professor Blackburn have succeeded in bringing clarity and beauty to difficult, complex processes, allowing the general public to get deeply involved with the power of science.
Charles ffrench-Constant, Director of the University’s MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine added:
The film that Clare and Amy have made is both a wonderful work of art and a superbly accessible presentation of science. Their recognition by the University with this prestigious award is richly deserved and will be welcomed with gratitude by all those throughout the University and the European scientific community who realize that the need for accurate explanation of stem cells and their applications to the medicine of regeneration is more urgent than ever.