At the intersection of science and art

As humans, we’re driven by an innate need to improve our understanding of the world around us. Science and art, while they do vary, allow us to view our surroundings in new ways and when we unite them together, the outcomes become far more impactful than if they’d worked independently. 

This intersection of science and art is familiar to Dr Caleb Dawson, a postdoctoral researcher at WEHI (previously known as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute). As a scientist, he strives to be creative and think out of the box, but Dr Dawson says his role as an artist is merely to be a keen observer and sharer – it is his privilege to see these microscopic scale discoveries first, and his joy to reveal them to the world. 

'Biology is inherently structurally and visually stunning, and I love my role in uncovering these hidden artworks,' says Dr Dawson.

Dr Dawson’s research focuses on the interactions between immune cells and breast tissue by using advanced fluorescence microscopy. His work is driven by the interest of how immune cells in healthy breasts respond to early cancer and what determines whether the cancer will be eliminated.

'By mapping cell location, migration and communication, we are hoping to discover the key cellular interactions that dictate disease outcomes and that could be useful therapeutic targets', says Dr Dawson.

When asked about what he wants this research to achieve, Dr Dawson says that by observing cell behaviours in their natural environment, it creates exciting research opportunities that hold potential to discover new directions towards breast and immune biology that could be used to predict, prevent and treat disease.

'Breast cancer has such a high incidence rate, and I would love to play a part in decreasing that. A benefit to this research area is that we can design powerful experiments in breast tissue to probe cancer biology that are near impossible in other organs,' says Dr Dawson.

'This is allowing us to answer very important questions around immune control of the earliest stages of breast cancer. We hope that what we discover will impact our understanding of cancer more broadly and enhance our ability to prevent it in vulnerable people by manipulating the immune system,' says Dr Dawson.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is a timely reminder of how far we’ve come in breast cancer research but also how far we have to go. Dr Dawson’s research is generating fascinating knowledge about breast function that is relatable to many women. Among this, it is providing additional information that can contribute to more effective treatments that ultimately improve survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.

It is no secret that Dr Dawson’s research spans both the worlds of science and art, and of which is accelerated by high-resolution imaging. High-resolution imaging techniques are a major driving force of his research, and this has allowed him to observe biological processes in unprecedented detail that traditional methods may have previously missed.

'Imaging of these processes brings a more complete understanding of biology that can lead to improvements in disease prevention and treatment,' says Dr Dawson.

When asked about his greatest scientific discovery through using such techniques, Dr Dawson reflects on finding a population of breast-specific immune cells that live in the walls of breast ducts. Over many months of constant surveyance, he was able to film the behaviour of these cells both before pregnancy and after lactation during weaning. This was the moment he saw that these immune cells eat the dying milk-producing cells that are no longer needed.

'The moment that I spotted these elusive cells down the microscope is a memorable one that changed the course of my research toward the exciting direction of breast-immune interaction,' says Dr Dawson.

As a repercussion of this breakthrough, Dr Dawson was the recipient of the NHMRC 2023 Science to Art Biennial Award for his submission titled In Bloom – Breast tissue showing muscle-like cells. NHMRC's Science to Art Award recognises outstanding imagery that has arisen from research funded by the NHMRC. In Bloom has since featured on multiple NHMRC publications including our Annual Report and Corporate Plan among many other materials used by the agency.

Speaking on this achievement, Dr Dawson says that receiving the NHMRC Science to Art Award was an incredible honour and confirmed, to him, the value of taking the time to make science visually accessible and engaging.

'My submission of lactating breast tissue was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my research, and it has been great to see how it brings a new appreciation of breastfeeding. Research often has long stretches of frustration between successes. However, this award was one of those great moments that motivates me to pursue new discoveries and make them accessible to all through art,' says Dr Dawson.

In Bloom has also featured in WEHI’s annual competition and exhibition, Art of Science which features still and moving images captured by WEHI scientists during their research into cancer, infection and immunity, and healthy development and ageing.

Founded in 1997 by former WEHI director Professor Suzanne Cory AC, the competition is open to all WEHI staff and students, allowing us all to witness the creativity and innovation that drives WEHI’s research forward. The 2024 Art of Science exhibition is available to view on WEHI’s website.

For those wishing to nominate themselves for the upcoming 2025 NHMRC Science to Art Award, Dr Dawson’s advice would be to keep an eye out, or search for the naturally beautiful structures that are hidden within an unexpected arrangement of cells or data patterns. Although they can be easily disregarded, when revealed in the right way, they can be breathtaking.

'Sometimes our unique perspective can change the way someone outside science sees the world, and that is a great thing,' says Dr Dawson.

Please see more information on the 2025 NHMRC Science to Art Award, including the nomination form and criteria here.