The Staffordshire University Images of Research Competition¹ was launched in 2014. Here at Staffordshire University we are engaged in applied research that has an impact locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Through our Applied Research Centres (ARCs), smaller research institutes and centres, and our specialist business training and support service; we develop highly viable and practical solutions to real-world problems. We promote knowledge transfer. We support postgraduate research. We engage with industry, commerce, the healthcare professions and our communities.

The Images of Research Competition allowed us to showcase our work; using just an image and 150 words competition entrants aimed to give an insight into their research activity showing how they make a difference, have real world impact and produce real benefits. The competition culminated in an exhibition of the images in the Science Centre and the announcement of the winner.

Richard Halfpenny’s winning entry was entitled “The better to smell you with”. He is pictured below being awarded his trophy by Professor Allan Howells, Deputy Vic e Chancellor for Research, Enterprise and External Affairs at Staffordshire University.

Richard’s winning image

Richard photographed a section of the antennae of a male British mosquito, magnified 100 times. The mosquito in the image had come from Stoke-on-Trent. Richard explained how he is trying to learn more about how mosquitos use their antennae to find sources of sugar. If he can understand more about this behaviour and the kinds of smells that attract mosquitos, he hopes to develop chemical smells that will work to better control mosquitos in the future.

Richard receiving his award from Prof Howells

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Link to PDF of the brochure.Images of Research Brochure

¹ This competition was inspired by Images of Research at the University of Bath.