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Science and Industry Museum reveals the best science photos of the year

Manchester Science Festival has officially launched today - kicking off 10 days of scientific celebration by revealing the winners of the country's prestigious science photography competition.

The Manc The Manc - 11th February 2021
The Science and Industry Museum devoted to the development of science, technology and industry with emphasis on the city’s achievements

Manchester Science Festival has officially launched today – kicking off 10 days of scientific celebration by revealing the winners of their prestigious science photography competition.

Held in partnership with the Royal Photographic Society, the festival’s digital exhibition puts the winners of the Science Photographer of the Year on display for all to see; showcasing 75 shortlisted and stand-out photographs.

The Science Photographer of the Year competition is described as ‘celebrating the remarkable stories behind scientific exploration, depicting its impact on our everyday lives and illustrating how photography helps record and explain global issues and scientific events.’

Orthophoto of the SS Thistlegorm by Simon Brown
Rainbow shadow selfie by Katy Appleton

Selected images were chosen from over 1,000 entries submitted by amateur and professional photographers – judged by an expert panel starring people from the Science and Industry Museum and Science Museum Group.

British photographer Simon Brown has been named Science Photographer of the Year in the ‘General Science’ category for his photo, ‘Orthophoto of SS Thistlegorm’ (above) – which is described as ‘an intricate reconstruction of a shipwreck using photogrammetry’.

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The Young Science Photographer of the Year has been awarded to 12-year-old Katy Appleton for her image, ‘Rainbow Shadow Selfie’ (above) that captures the beauty of a common phenomena of light splitting through a prism.

A Climate Change category was also introduced this year; reflecting the theme of the 2021 Manchester Science Festival.

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Sue Flood’s incredible ‘North Pole Under Water’ image (below) won this award.

The Under 18’s Young Science Photographer of the Year trophy went to 11-year-old Raymond Zhang for his image ‘Apollo’s Emissary’ (below) – which shows one of the largest solar power stations in western China.

North Pole under water by Sue Flood FRPS
Apollo’s Emissary by Raymond Zhang

Dr Michael Pritchard, Director, Education and Public Affairs at the RPS, said: “This year’s Science Photographer of the Year is more relevant than ever before in documenting how science and climate change are impacting all our lives.

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“The selected images are striking and will make us think more about the world around us.”

Manchester Science Festival is the biggest of its kind and has remained a huge event in the city’s cultural calendar since 2007.

This year’s virtual edition offers viewers the chance to take part in a wide range of talks and exhibitions – many of which are available for free.

Alongside the Royal Photographic Society’s exhibition, highlights of the 2021 festival include:

  • Changing the System: An ‘in conversation’ event where renowned musician and climate campaigner, Brian Eno, joins ClientEarth founder, James Thornton, to discuss how to use the power of law to combat climate change, protect the environment and build a future in which people and the planet thrive together.
  • Earth, But Not As We Know It: An expert panel responding to specially-recorded provocations from Dr James Lovelock, the 101-year-old scientist who studied at The University of Manchester and created the influential yet controversial Gaia Hypothesis.
  • ‘How Can I Be A Good Citizen of the World?: A three-part series where Manchester physicist Helen Czerski asks the question in relation to transport, equality and food.
  • A discussion about eco anxiety with the festival’s Young People Panel chaired by Niall Henry, founder of The Blair Project, a disruptive social enterprise that exists to inspire the next generation of green tech workforce.

Sally MacDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum, said: “It is fantastic that Manchester Science Festival has launched to the public, so that everyone can enjoy the exciting programme of online events and exhibitions. In these difficult days, we’re delighted to be able to bring the joy of our museum into people’s homes. 

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“The programme is a positive one – looking at ways we can all take action and contribute to solutions around climate change, connecting communities, scientists and activists with the aim of advancing ideas for a better world.

“I am delighted that our partnership with the Royal Photographic Society is leading the festival’s digital line-up. Visual arts are so important in furthering our understanding of the world around us, and this exhibition really shines a spotlight on the effects that both science and climate have on our lives.”

The museum is hoping to host a number of socially-distanced, in-person activities later in the year – including UK premieres and a dedicated special event programme for families.

Further events are also being planned for June and November, coinciding with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

To explore the full Manchester Science Festival line-up and book free tickets, visit the official website.

News

Michelin-recommended rooftop restaurant Climat has closed its doors with immediate effect

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Michelin-recommended rooftop restaurant Climat has closed its doors with immediate effect

One of Manchester’s top-rated restaurants has announced its shock and immediate closure.

Climat, which is set way up high in Blackfriars House with staggering views of Manchester city centre, has said that the Michelin-recommended restaurant is now permanently closed.

In a heartbreaking statement, founder Christopher Laidler said that Climat is ‘yet another casualty of the times we’re living in’.

Laying out the brutal reality of running a hospitality business, Chris wrote about ‘rampant food inflation’, an ‘ever-increasing tax burden’, and ‘the persistent cost of living crisis’, describing it as a perfect storm against hospitality.

Then delving deeper into the numbers, he shared that Climat has faced an eye-watering £112,000 electricity bill for its first 13 months in business – that’s 400% more than they’d budgeted.

That was chased by a 33% increase in staff wages, then a jump in business rates from £12,000 a year to £38,000 a year.

Couple that with reduced footfall and it’s ‘spelling disaster for so many’.

Climat has closed its doors with immediate effect
Climat has closed its doors with immediate effect
Climat has laid their finances bare in their closing statement
Climat has laid their finances bare in their closing statement

He wrote: “Whilst I wanted to highlight these reasons for closure, in the naive hope the Government will start to listen before it’s too late for others, I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of our team over the last 3.5 years.

“The closure does not do justice to their efforts and dedication. I’d also like extend a huge debt of gratitude to our guests for their support, enabling us to build a nationally recognised wine list – our raison d’être.”

Signing off, he said: “I wish everyone the very best of luck in these challenging times. Bye for now, Christopher.”

Climat opened in late 2022, with an impressive wine list and a beautiful restaurant space overlooking Manchester.

It didn’t take long before it was added to the Michelin Guide, which wrote: “An open kitchen is the focus of the room, with its aromas filling the air, and the concise fixed-price menu includes well-executed dishes such as halibut with spinach and sorrel velouté, where the ingredient quality shines through.

“Wine is a feature with one side of the room acting as a bar and the carefully curated list deftly mixing traditional and modern styles.”

If Climat can’t make it work… who the heck can?

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost

Danny Jones Danny Jones Claire's closing down permanently

In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.

Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.

A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.

Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.

Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.

With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.

Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.

However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.

They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.

claire's accessories manchester
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)

For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.

It is also worth noting, on the other hand, that an estimated 350 concession stands within the likes of Asda supermarkets will remain open – at least for now.

More importantly, it’s never good to see people being made redundant, and we send all of our love and support to those impacted by the developments.

Do you have any lasting memories of visits to Claire’s?

Read more:

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Featured Images — chrisinplymouth (via Flickr)

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