APC News
The Invisible Made Visible: COVID testing explained in unique STEM-Art collaboration
The Invisible Made Visible: COVID testing explained in unique STEM-Art collaboration
STEM-Art Collaboration with APC communicates COVID-testing 
Virtual Launch of Public Exhibition: Thurs 20 May 2021 from 7-9 pm. Register for free: https://bit.ly/3cVVfms The Invisible Made Visible is a unique collaboration with Prof Cormac Gahan at APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre and botanical artist, Shevaun Doherty. Their project communicates the science of COVID-testing through the creative process of lino-printing and film. The project is one of five STEM-Art collaborations supported by Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Primary Science and Maths programme that will be showcased at a virtual public launch on Thursday 20 May 2021 from 7-9 pm (Register for free: https://bit.ly/3cVVfms) Covid tests use a process called PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), where a small amount of barely visible genetic material is taken from a virus, and replicated through a series of prescribed repetitive steps, so that multiple copies of DNA are visible. This process is like lino printing, where you start with a blank page and carefully go through a series of prescribed steps to create multiple copies of the original image. The design of the lino print also describes the steps involved in Covid PCR testing. Speaking about the experience, Prof Gahan shared “I was delighted to work with the very talented visual artist Shevaun Doherty on this exciting collaboration which merges our science with the art of lino-printing. Through the process of creating Shevaun’s beautiful jellyfish prints we are offering a unique perspective on the science behind DNA structure, PCR and Covid testing which is both educational and visually stimulating.†In tandem with the exhibition, a series of educational resources have been created to encourage primary school learners to create their own artworks informed by science, technology, engineering and maths. Over 18,000 primary schools’ learners across the country have had a sneak preview of the exhibition at a separate schools’ launch this week. The public virtual exhibition will run from Thursday 20th May, with an evening launch taking place on this date from 7-9pm. Registration for this event is through Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3cVVfms. More information on all the projects can be found here: http://www.sfi.ie/engagement/art-collaboration/.
