The Wellcome Photography Prize: A Lens on London’s Evolving Human Story

London, a city that constantly blends tradition with the avant-garde, is currently hosting a powerful visual narrative at the Francis Crick Institute. The winners of the global Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 have been unveiled, showcasing extraordinary works that resonate deeply with the human experience, and offering a unique perspective on health, science, and our collective journey.

This prestigious prize, established in 1997, champions image-makers who artfully capture the profound impact of science and health on lives across the globe. From a compelling shortlist of 25 international finalists, a distinguished panel of judges, including Melanie Keen, Caroline Hunter, and Mark Lythgoe, sought out images that transcended the familiar, sparked curiosity, and stirred the soul.

The three winning projects, each awarded £10,000, offer a poignant blend of scientific insight and human narratives:

• Marvels of Scientific and Medical Imaging: UK-based photographer and electron microscopy specialist Steve Gschmeissner took this prize for his mesmerizing electron microscopy image, “Cholesterol in the Liver.” This piece transforms the microscopic world into a work of art, visually articulating the dynamic states of cholesterol over time – a true blend of scientific precision and aesthetic wonder.
• Storytelling Series: Indian-born, UK-based artist Sujata Setia was recognized for “A Thousand Cuts,” a deeply moving collaborative portrait series. Through powerful imagery, Setia gives voice to survivors of domestic abuse within South Asian communities, highlighting resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for healing – themes that resonate with London’s diverse and compassionate community.
• Striking Solo Photography: Bangladeshi documentary and street photographer Mithail Afrige Chowdhury received this award for “Urban Travel.” His evocative image of a mother and daughter sharing a picnic on a Dhaka rooftop beautifully captures everyday resilience amidst rapid urbanization, a universal theme that reflects the ever-adapting nature of urban life, much like London itself.

These impactful works, alongside those of the other 22 finalists (each awarded £1,000), are currently on display at the Francis Crick Institute in London until October 18. This exhibition is a must-see for those who appreciate art that challenges, informs, and connects us to the broader human story unfolding around us.

For more details on the exhibition and the winning photographs, you can visit the Creative Review article.The Wellcome Photography Prize: A Lens on London’s Evolving Human Story

London, a city that constantly blends tradition with the avant-garde, is currently hosting a powerful visual narrative at the Francis Crick Institute. The winners of the global Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 have been unveiled, showcasing extraordinary works that resonate deeply with the human experience, and offering a unique perspective on health, science, and our collective journey.

This prestigious prize, established in 1997, champions image-makers who artfully capture the profound impact of science and health on lives across the globe. From a compelling shortlist of 25 international finalists, a distinguished panel of judges, including Melanie Keen, Caroline Hunter, and Mark Lythgoe, sought out images that transcended the familiar, sparked curiosity, and stirred the soul.

The three winning projects, each awarded £10,000, offer a poignant blend of scientific insight and human narratives:

• Marvels of Scientific and Medical Imaging: UK-based photographer and electron microscopy specialist Steve Gschmeissner took this prize for his mesmerizing electron microscopy image, “Cholesterol in the Liver.” This piece transforms the microscopic world into a work of art, visually articulating the dynamic states of cholesterol over time – a true blend of scientific precision and aesthetic wonder.
• Storytelling Series: Indian-born, UK-based artist Sujata Setia was recognized for “A Thousand Cuts,” a deeply moving collaborative portrait series. Through powerful imagery, Setia gives voice to survivors of domestic abuse within South Asian communities, highlighting resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for healing – themes that resonate with London’s diverse and compassionate community.
• Striking Solo Photography: Bangladeshi documentary and street photographer Mithail Afrige Chowdhury received this award for “Urban Travel.” His evocative image of a mother and daughter sharing a picnic on a Dhaka rooftop beautifully captures everyday resilience amidst rapid urbanization, a universal theme that reflects the ever-adapting nature of urban life, much like London itself.

These impactful works, alongside those of the other 22 finalists (each awarded £1,000), are currently on display at the Francis Crick Institute in London until October 18. This exhibition is a must-see for those who appreciate art that challenges, informs, and connects us to the broader human story unfolding around us.

For more details on the exhibition and the winning photographs, you can visit the Creative Review article.