Gold computer chip takes science photography's top prize

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An image of a hi-tech gold computer chip, used in quantum computing, has taken first prize overall in the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) photo competition.

The winning photo by student Diana Prado Lopes Aude Craik, from the University of Oxford, had to be taken down the lens of a precision microscope due to the complexity and detail of the device.

The development of the chip was funded jointly by the EPSRC and the US Army Research Office.

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The annual competition allows researchers and science doctoral students to share their pictures of Science in Action. The competition's five categories were: Eureka, Equipment, People, Innovation, and Weird and Wonderful.

The competition received more than 200 entries from researchers in receipt of EPSRC funding.

Judge Professor Robert Winston said: "It is crucial to promote greater understanding of science and engineering research, the role it plays in making new discoveries, developing new technologies and in making the world a better place for us all. These are truly inspirational images and tell great stories. It was a real pleasure to take part as a judge and I hope people will want to find out more."

"Yet again, the standard of entries into this year’s competition shows the inquisitive, artistic and perceptive nature of the people EPSRC supports," added Professor Philip Nelson, the chief executive of the council.

"This competition helps us engage with academics and these stunning images are a great way to connect the general public with research they fund, and inspire everyone to take an interest in science and engineering."