Zebrafish Art and Scientific Exchange: Strengthening Collaboration with the University of Edinburgh

Magdalena Góra and Albert Zagumny from the Zebrafish Core Facility at IIMCB visited the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh, where they toured the local zebrafish facility and exchanged experiences with its team. The visit highlighted the strong commitment of the Edinburgh Institute to promoting Danio rerio not only as a research model, but also as an effective tool for science outreach and education.

The host institute regularly organizes workshops and educational activities for schools and the wider public. One of their initiatives was a creative zebrafish art contest, encouraging participants to colour zebrafish illustrations, with prizes such as T-shirts and mugs. The artworks were also planned to be displayed as a large “zebrafish school” installation suspended from the ceiling.

Inspired by this initiative, a similar activity was organized at IIMCB, where both children and adults were invited to take part. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many unique and beautifully decorated zebrafish artworks submitted. As it proved impossible to select a single winner, all participants were recognised, and a small exhibition of the artworks was displayed in the corridor of the Institute. One of the zebrafish artworks created at IIMCB was later featured as the top entry in the Institute of Genetics and Cancer newsletter.

This initiative is an excellent example of collaboration between partner institutions, based on mutual support and generating benefits for both sides. The visit of Magdalena Góra and Albert Zagumny to Edinburgh was made possible thanks to RACE WP3, further strengthening the partnership between IIMCB and the University of Edinburgh within the RACE programme.