Beaker Street Science Photography Prize

See it in person

Finalist works are exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival, held each August in Hobart, Tasmania.

Beaker Street Festival is a multi-day celebration of science and culture featuring talks, performances, debates, exhibitions, and immersive experiences — all set against the backdrop of Tasmania’s wild landscapes, dark skies, and creative energy.

Image credit: THE MAGIC RAT AND HIS SLICK MACHINE, Ben Alldridge. 2025 Finalist.

Start planning your trip to Tasmania for Beaker Street Festival.

Why it exists

At Beaker Street, we believe science belongs to everyone.

Photography has a unique power to make complex ideas accessible, emotional, and unforgettable. The Science Photography Prize supports artists and scientists to tell visual stories that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and invite people to look more closely at the world around them.

The Prize is proudly delivered by Beaker Street, a not-for-profit organisation and DGR-registered charity based in Nipaluna / Hobart.

Dr Kirsten Banks

Dr Kirsten Banks is a highly recognised astrophysicist, Wiradjuri woman, and dynamic science communicator who captivates audiences with her energy, insight, and humour. With a PhD in astrophysics and a knack for storytelling, she makes complex science engaging and accessible, blending cutting-edge discoveries with Indigenous knowledge. Kirsten has spoken at events like SXSW Sydney and is a sought-after speaker and MC, bringing inspiration and excitement to every stage she graces.

Marley Butler

Marley is an Australian nature photographer and long distance hiker. His passion for photography emerged through hiking in wilderness areas and a desire to capture and preserve the beauty of remote and secluded places. Many of his images are unique and unplanned, taken as inspiration is revealed over the ever-changing horizon.

Marley has hiked over 14,000 km with camera in tow, throughout Australia and abroad on long trails including the 3,000 km Te Araroa in New Zealand and the 4,200 km Pacific Crest Trail in the USA and the 1,000 km Bibbulmun Track in WA multiple times.

Marley is most well known for his Landscape and Astrophotography work, having received national and international recognition in photographic competitions including the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, David Malin Awards, Natural Landscape Photography Awards, Sony Alpha Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards, Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers and Epson International Pano Awards alongside various publications and exhibitions.

Scientific Editor

Simon Grove, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery