Infusoria BioArt exhibition exploring microbiology opens at the John Radcliffe Hospital

BioArt exhibition exploring microbiology opens at the John Radcliffe Hospital

A new display of work by artist Anna Dumitriu is now on show at the John Radcliffe Hospital, bringing together art, microbiology and research into healthcare-associated infections.

The exhibition draws on research from Modernising Medical Microbiology into hospital environments, bacteria and antimicrobial resistance. Through BioArt, Anna’s work explores the microbial world that usually remains unseen and encourages people to think differently about the relationship between microorganisms, healthcare and our surroundings.

The display includes work inspired by our research into hospital sinks and the microbial communities that live within them. Hospital sinks are essential for hand hygiene and infection prevention, but the pipework and sink traps beneath them can also provide environments where complex communities of microorganisms can grow. Our researchers are studying these environments to better understand their potential role in healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.

The exhibition has already prompted plenty of interest. While it was being installed, several people stopped to look at the work and ask questions. We chatted with one young patient who had recently chosen Art for her GCSEs and discovered the concept of BioArt for the first time through the exhibition. She was fascinated by the idea of bringing art and science together!

By displaying the work within the hospital, we hope to bring some of our research directly to the patients, visitors and staff who use the John Radcliffe every day, providing an opportunity to discover the science happening within and around the hospital from a different perspective.

The exhibition is open for patients, visitors and staff to explore. If you’re at the John Radcliffe Hospital, do stop by and take a closer look!

26 September – 6 November 2026
Artlink Corridor Gallery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford

Find out more about Anna Dumitriu at annadumitriu.co.uk.

Learn more about Modernising Medical Microbiology and our research here at bashthebug.net.

See all the events on at the Oxford Science + Ideas Festival 2026 here! https://if-oxford.com/events/