PIPgenerating ART

PIPgenerating ART is a collaboration between PIPgen and the art school CSVPA which merges art and science. The programme kicked off in February 2024 and spans around 6 months, during which time the 15 PIPgen’s Early Stage Researchers (ESR) alongside with artists from CSVPA, have embark on an exciting journey, discovering new forms of knowledge and expression.

Throughout the duration of the program, participants have engaged in a series of training sessions, seminars, and guided meetings designed to foster collaboration and creativity. The ultimate aim for artists was to create an artwork inspired by the research projects of the ESRs.

The program culminated with an art exhibition & award ceremony on September 26th, in Cambridge at the Cripps Court at the Magdalene College. The exhibition showcased the artworks created within the program and the top three pieces were awarded with prizes generously sponsored by the 3 program’s sponsors: iOnctura, Kither and qGenomics.

The PI3K pathway

All PIPgen Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) focus on cell signalling, which is how cells communicate with their surroundings and respond to changes. Cells receive signals from their environment and then translate these into actions accordingly. The PI3K/PTEN pathway is  just one of the many pathways present in a cell. This pathway involves two proteins PI3K and PTEN that are a type of protein known as “enzyme”: Specifically, PI3K is a signal transductor, meaning that it takes signals from the outside of the cell via receptors and passes (translates) them inside of the cell triggering a cascade of events: The receptor activates PI3K, PI3K activates another protein, so on and so forth. On the other hand, the cell needs a way to shut off this signalling when it is not longer needed, and that’s where PTEN comes in. PTEN is like a stop button. It works down regulating the PI3K pathway. In a way, PI3K and PTEN are in a never- ending tennis match. In this metaphor, the ball is a molecule called ‘PIP’. PIP comes in many flavours which scientists distinguish by numbers. PI3K transforms on type of PIP called PIP2 into PIP3, while PTEN do the opposite, turning PIP2 into PIP3.

Collaborating Patient Organisations

PTENUKI and GoPI3Ks are two charities dedicated to supporting patients with the rare diseases PHTS and PROS. Together, we organised a series of virtual seminars that really helped provide meaning to researchers and scientists. During the inauguration of the exhibition we organised a patient roundtable where world-leading experts, patients and young researchers had insightful discussions.

Workshops

Heather Barnett

Artist, researcher and educator.

Hetaher serves as the Pathway Leader on the MA Art and Science and Co-Director of the Living Systems Lab at Central Saint Martins.

As part of the PIPgenerating ART collaborations, Heather worked with some of her MA Art and Science students to facilitate an online workshop that launched the project. During the workshop, she explained the importance of Art-Science translation and guided participants on how to foster meaningful conversations between these two fields. They also provided ongoing support through tutorials, helping to develop and refine participants’ projects. Heather also served as the Master of Ceremonies during the final exhibition in Cambridge.

Exhibitions

Inaugural Exhibition: Thursday 26th September, at The Denis Murphy Gallery in Cripps Court, located within the University of Cambridge’s Magdalene College.

Long Term Exhibition: From 3rd – 23rd October at West Hub, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge.


Competition

During the inauguration of the exhibition the event featured an award ceremony where the top three artworks were announced and recognised for their creativity, originality, and artistic excellence. Our jury members selected the best two art works and the public voted for a third prize.

Jury Members

Aleksandra Badura scientist and Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Erasmus Medical University Center.

Simon Thorogood  designer, thinker, speculator, creative consultant, and academic advisor.

Mia Taylor artist and educator. Course Leader of the MA Art and Science at Central Saint Martins.

1st Prize:
300 GBP

Public prize:
200 GBP

Organisers & Collaborators

Sponsors