NIWA photography awards show off scientists’ work

^{Crispin Middleton}

When you think of scientists and research you don’t usually automatically think outstanding photography and photographic awards. Scientists of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) are changing that assumption with the stunning images they have taken while out in the field researching, all entered in the NIWA’s annual photo competition.

Documenting their “typical day at the office”, the scientists have captured certain situations like being on top of a mountain range, getting up close to underwater sea slugs, and even showing a research ship sail through the Antarctic sea. The images are incredible not only for the quality of image, but they’re also a real eye-opener as to what it takes to protect our environment on a daily basis.

The competition consisted of five categories and the entries were judged by a panel of professional photographers who also appreciated the variety of work the scientists undertake daily, leading to opportunities for some incredible shots to be taken. 

The category winners consisted of the following entries:

Biosecurity diverCrispin Middleton, principal technician marine ecology, won the Our People Award with the image displayed above. It illustrates an underwater biosecurity inspection for marine pests of pontoons in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

Aurora Australis

^{Alison Kohout}

Hydrodynamics scientist Alison Kohout won the Our Work category with this image of a research vessel sailing through Antarctic sea.

Tongan fish trap

^{Rosie Hurst}

Winning the Our Places award was Rosie Hurst, chief fisheries scientist with his shot of a Tongan fish trap.

Psychedelic sea slug

^{Rachel Boschen}

This Tambja verconis (sea slug) was a popular choice when it came to social media voting. Rachel Boschen captured this shot at Poor Knights Reserve.

Flight me I’m famous

^{Fabrice Cantos}

The Special Award went to Fabrice Cantos for his shot named Flight me I’m Famous.

Other entrants in the competition can be seen below:

^{Alvin Setiawan}

^{Craig Stevens}

^{Rachel Hay}

^{Jeremy Rutherford}

^{Chris Woods}

^{Ryan Evison}

^{Carolyn Lundquist}

^{Tracey Burton}

^{Gregor Macara}

^{Henrich Schafer}