In the News
NCMIR Scientist wins title of top Science Photographer of the Year in the World Photography Awards.
Deerinck, who edged out Vladamir Nefedov of Russia and Anil Risal Singh of India in the finals for the top honor, was praised for bringing his “technicolor-style to what can otherwise be mundane subjects”. He thanked the audience and commended Scott Gray, founder of the World Photography Awards as a true visionary in creating this event and Sony for having the wisdom to back this bold venture.
NCMIR scientist Thomas Deerinck captured first place in the inaugural Sony World Photography Awards in the Professional Science Photography category announced at a VIP gala ceremony at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.
The subjects of Deerinck’s winning images include various types of brain tissues, cancer cells, retinal tissue, including images such as this of cerebellum (shown above). These photomicrographs are an integral product of the research undertaken at NCMIR, a National Institute of Health funded resource charged with developing and deploying advanced technologies to bridge understanding of biological systems between the gross anatomical and molecular scales to the biomedical community. Founded in 1988, the NCMIR collaborates with researchers across the globe to address numerous areas of basic research, many with a focus on neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Deerinck, a microscopist by training, joined UCSD in 1978 to work under Dr. Mark H. Ellisman, an acclaimed neuroscientist and NCMIR founder.
The Awards ceremony was the finale in a series of events in Cannes over the last few days, based on the theme of ‘Legacy’. Focusing on the past, present and future of photography, this has included the Sony Legacy Exhibition curated by Magnum Photos; a photography summit to discuss the latest industry issues; and a weeklong public exhibition of the finalist works at the Palais del Festivals. Prior to the awards ceremony the finalists were invited to attend a private reception with the Honorable Bernard Brochand, Mayor of Cannes at Villa Jean-Gabriel Domergue.
Vanessa Winship from the United Kingdom was named overall Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year among all categories. Her entry “Sweet nothings” in the Portraiture category triumphed over tens of thousands of submissions to win the esteemed title of L'Iris D'Or, accompanied by a $25,000 cash prize presented by Shigeki Ishizuka, president of Sony Corporation's Digital Imaging Europe.
The final decision was made just hours before the ceremony by the Honorary Board, some of the industry’s highest regarded members, including Nan Goldin, Bruce Davidson, Tom Stoddart, Elliott Erwitt and Martine Franck. Over the past weeks they have been deliberating upon the professional photographers’ shortlist, chosen by the World Photographic Academy, and had a final meeting the day of the Awards to agree on their decision.
Legendary photography icon Phil Stern (shown above), best know for his frontline work during World War II and the golden age of Hollywood was awarded the Legacy award for his outstanding contribution to the industry. He said on receiving the award, “It is very flattering to have been chosen to receive this award. May I thank everyone who made this decision, and long may the awards continue.”
James Kennedy, General Manager Marketing Communications, Sony Digital Imaging Europe said, “The Awards really are a showcase for the photographic industry at its highest level. It has been wonderful to be part of an event that brings together such phenomenal talent.” Founder of World Photography Awards Scott Gray added, “This event is the culmination of what has been a fantastic first year for the Sony World Photography Awards. We thank everyone who entered and look forward to the second year already.”
Professional Category Winners
Abstract – Anita Cruz-Eberhard (UNITED STATES)
Advertising – Fabrizio Cestari (ITALY)
Architectural – Livia Corona (MEXICO)
Fashion – Valeska Achenbach & Isabela Pacini (GERMANY)
Music/Performance – Eduard Meltzer (SWITZERLAND)
Nature – Giacomo Brunelli (ITALY)
Nude – Natalie Bothur – (GERMANY)
Photojournalism/Documentary – Moises Saman (UNITED STATES)
Portraiture – Vanessa Winship (UNITED KINGDOM)
Science – Thomas Deerinck (UNITED STATES)
Sport – Robin Utrecht (NETHERLANDS)
