In an inspiring celebration of the intersection between art and science, the Interactions Collaboration recently unveiled the winning images of the 2025 Global Physics Photowalk — a competition that brought particle physics out of obscurity and into stunning visual focus. This international contest showcases the intimate and often mesmerizing relationship between humans and the sophisticated machinery they use to explore the fundamental secrets of the universe. From state-of-the-art detectors operating at temperatures nearing absolute zero to awe-inspiring neutrino telescopes submerged deep in the ocean, the photographs illuminate the breathtaking precision and dedication enveloped in the quest to unravel cosmic mysteries.
The Global Physics Photowalk is a remarkable initiative, drawing hundreds of entries from over 100 photographers across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including amateurs and professionals alike. Participating laboratories, sixteen in total, represent some of the most advanced research centers in the realm of particle physics. Their missions range from probing the origins of matter and the universe itself to untangling the elusive nature of dark matter — a mysterious component that constitutes a significant portion of the cosmos’s total mass yet remains invisible to direct detection. Beyond pure scientific curiosity, these labs are pioneers of cutting-edge technology, achieving breakthroughs that find applications far beyond particle physics, enriching society in unexpected ways.
The competition structure was designed to highlight local engagements, with each participating organization conducting its own Photowalk during 2025. From those events, the top three images were selected and submitted for the global judging panel’s deliberation. This process culminated in a refined collection of 48 photographs, each a vivid story of discovery and innovation in scientific research facilities around the world. The esteemed panel of judges, composed of experts spanning distinct domains — including Dmitri Denisov from Brookhaven National Laboratory, Tabea Rauscher of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Max Delbrück Center, and acclaimed photographer Will Warasila — conducted a meticulous and thoughtful evaluation of every detail. Their combined expertise in physics, scientific communication, and photographic artistry set an exceptional standard for the competition.
Earning the coveted first place was a compelling photograph by Marco Donghia, capturing a moment inside the CryOgenic Laboratory for Detectors (COLD) located at the INFN National Laboratories of Frascati, Italy. His image showcases a young researcher deeply engaged in scientific endeavor, positioned against the intimidating scale of a cryostat capable of reaching a chilling -273.14 °C — just a few thousandths of a degree above absolute zero. This exclusive operating environment is vital for detecting fleeting and subtle signals, such as those potentially generated by dark matter particles permeating our galaxy. The photograph’s brilliance lies in its ability to encapsulate both the technological magnitude and the intimate human element, with carefully orchestrated lighting guiding the viewer’s eye seamlessly through the frame.
Judge Tabea Rauscher praised Donghia’s work for its eloquent visual storytelling and masterful harnessing of light, which together construct a cinematic atmosphere where the solitude and intensity of the scientific process are palpably felt. The composition highlights the relative scale of the human researcher against the vast, complex machinery, symbolizing the harmony between human intellect and technological innovation. Such imagery serves as a potent metaphor for fundamental scientific research — where the curiosity and dedication of a single individual complement the tireless precision of advanced instrumentation. The emotional resonance of this photograph extends beyond its technical merit, inviting a broader audience to appreciate the beauty embedded in cutting-edge research.
The cryostat itself is a marvel of engineering. Operating at temperatures infinitesimally close to absolute zero, it stabilizes delicate detectors free from thermal noise, enabling the capture of signals that would otherwise vanish into the background. This extreme cooling requirement addresses the core challenge of detecting rare particle interactions — a cornerstone in the search for dark matter that has eluded direct observation despite extensive theoretical backing. Capturing this apparatus and its human operator together demystifies the laboratory’s sophisticated techniques and imbues the image with profound scientific significance.
The judges also highlighted the runner-up and third-place photographs for their insightful glimpses into experimental interiors and the vivid interplay of colors intrinsic to such high-tech environments. Despite differences in style and subject matter, these images collectively underscore the deep connection between physics research and its surroundings, elucidating the intricate frameworks that support groundbreaking discoveries. This careful curation of images champions the multifaceted nature of science — equally technical, artistic, and human.
Beyond the accolades for winning entries, many other photographs submitted to the Global Physics Photowalk left indelible impressions on the judges, illustrating the profound and diverse visual narratives within scientific spaces. Judge Will Warasila reflected on how the photographs navigate the spectrum between abstraction and lived experience, revealing patterns, rhythms, and serene beauty in environments often perceived as coldly technical or inaccessible. These images make the scientific endeavor aesthetically tangible and emphasize the workforce’s curiosity and commitment at the heart of every experiment.
For the public, this visual journey offered unprecedented insight into particle physics through an online voting event held from January 13 to 27, 2026. This inclusive approach to engagement fosters a wider appreciation of complex scientific disciplines and opens dialogue between researchers and society. Such participatory efforts are crucial in an era where the need for science communication and literacy has never been more critical.
The Global Physics Photowalk attendees and photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the full array of winning and selected images displayed at the 2026 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, from February 12 to 14. The Interactions Collaboration will present these compelling visual narratives at booth 113, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of particle physics facilitated through a lens seldom afforded to the public eye.
Fundamentally, the Global Physics Photowalk exemplifies the growing trend toward celebrating the artistry intrinsic to scientific work. Science is not merely an academic or mechanical undertaking; it is a deeply human adventure defined by wonder, perseverance, and vision. By illuminating these moments of discovery through photography, initiatives like this inspire new generations, bridge the gap between disciplines, and, importantly, remind us all that science is both a pursuit of knowledge and a shared cultural treasure.
As the fifth installment in this international series dating back to 2010, the 2025 Global Physics Photowalk continues to break new ground, forging connections among scientific institutions worldwide and highlighting the universal language of imagery. It represents a joyous convergence of technology, creativity, and collaboration — fostering a narrative that transcends geographical borders, institutional distinctions, and disciplinary divides.
Marco Donghia’s evocative photograph, in particular, crystallizes this ethos perfectly. The contrast of near-zero temperature machinery and the warm human presence conveys not only the technical marvels achieved in contemporary physics but also the emotional heartbeat of discovery that fuels science. This recognition exemplifies how scientific photography can communicate complex concepts with clarity and emotional depth, capturing moments of profound human curiosity and intellectual triumph.
In conclusion, the 2025 Global Physics Photowalk celebrates the unseen realms of particle physics by spotlighting the passionate individuals and intricate technologies shaping humanity’s understanding of the universe. Through stunning visual storytelling and expert curation, the competition elevates scientific exploration to an art form, providing a rare window into environments where the boundaries of knowledge are continually pushed. These photographs remind us that behind every scientific breakthrough lies an exquisite interplay of light, shadow, and human endeavor — a narrative as compelling as the science itself.
Subject of Research: Particle physics, dark matter detection, cryogenic technologies for scientific detectors
Article Title: Behind the Lens: The 2025 Global Physics Photowalk Reveals the Human Side of Particle Physics
News Publication Date: 2026
Web References:
Image Credits: Marco Donghia
Keywords
Particle physics, dark matter, cryogenic detector, scientific photography, Global Physics Photowalk, Interactions Collaboration, experimental physics, absolute zero, neutrino telescope, CERN, INFN National Laboratories, physics outreach
