The Nancy Rothwell Award

8 October – 9 January

The Nancy Rothwell Award has encouraged and celebrated biological specimen drawing since 2014 – promoting the value of observation, creativity and artistry in science learning and discovery. The competition is an invitation to school students to explore the practice of recording and describing specimens through art.   

From anglerfish to zebra, from volvox to tyrannosaurus rex, the competition entries depict the diversity of the natural world using a variety of media, including pencil, paint and digital art.

The competition is organised by the Royal Society of Biology and is named after the Society’s first President, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, who is a strong advocate for bringing art and science together. 

In this display, you will find the winning and shortlisted pieces from among the 727 entries in the 2021 competition, and the winner of the new Manchester Medal category.

About the Royal Society of Biology

The Royal Society of Biology is a learned society and professional association created to advance the interests of biology in academia, industry, education, and research. The Society represents a diverse membership of individuals, learned societies and other organisations. In addition to engaging the public on matters related to the life sciences, the Society seeks to develop the profession and to guide the development of related policies.

The Manchester Medal

In collaboration with the Whitworth this year, The Manchester Medal celebrates the artwork of a local entrant.

Special thanks to the Royal Veterinary College for its continued support of the competition.