Winners of the University of Melbourne's inaugural Lens of Discovery photo competition announced

Microscopic mouth fungus, fire-damaged portrait conservation and signage in urban spaces were among the winning images in the University of Melbourne’s Lens of Discovery photography competition.

Open to all University students and staff, the competition invited entries that creatively captured the theme Advancing the boundaries of knowledge. The images included everyday moments of discovery, curiosity and impact from researchers working across the disciplines.

The competition attracted over 200 submissions, with $500 prizes across six categories, selected by a judging panel, and a $1000 People’s Choice Award chosen by the University of Melbourne community.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy AM said the breadth and diversity of entries reflected the quality of research being carried out across the University every day.

“From the field to the lab, the classroom to the community, these images give us a sneak peek into the rigour, creativity and real‑world impact of our research,” Professor Cassidy said.

“Congratulations to all the entrants, finalists and winners of this year’s prizes.”

Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences PhD student Satutya Wicaksono took out both the Health and Medicine category and the People’s Choice Award for his entry ‘Benign or malignant?’. It examined how a common mouth fungus behaves differently under the microscope in both typical and atypical cases.

See the finalists’ striking images as part of a special exhibition at this year’s Open Day on Sunday 16 August 2026.