Keynote Speakers

Exploring Molecular Biology at the Frontier of 3D Visualization

Drew Berry

Biomedical Animator
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Biology reveals the complex choreography of cells and molecules, but much of this science is too small to be directly observed or takes place at dynamic rates beyond our normal perception of time. 3D visualization of cells and molecules has become an increasingly important component of exploring and communicating biological mechanisms to the public, students and scientific peers.  Dynamic visualizations, such as animations, are able to synthesize diverse structural, dynamic and locational data derived from a variety of research sources and data sets, and can thus act as a visual hypothesis for a particular molecular or cellular process.  Beyond the bench, 3D visualizations are powerful tools that are being used in classrooms and in the mass media to educate and entertain.

Drew Berry is a biologist-animator whose scientifically accurate and aesthetically rich visualisations reveal cellular and molecular processes for a wide range of audiences. Trained as a cell biologist and microscopist Drew brings a rigorous scientific approach to each project, immersing himself in relevant research to ensure current data are represented.  Drew received B.Sc. (1993) and M.Sc. (1995) degrees from the University of Melbourne.  Since 1995, he has been a biomedical animator at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. His animations have exhibited at venues such as the Guggenheim Museum, MoMA, the Royal Institute of Great Britain and the University of Geneva. In 2010 he received a MacArthur Fellowship “Genius Award”.