Dr. Thomas Chater, a researcher at WPI-Bio2Q, has been awarded the “Prix du Public” (Audience Award) in the 5th edition of the science photo contest “Beauté Cachée de la Science — “The Hidden Beauty of Science” organized by the Embassy of France in Japan.

This prestigious award was determined through an online public vote that saw participation from hundreds of voters. Dr. Thomas Chater, who was also a finalist in the 2024 contest, has achieved this award in the 2025 edition. We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Thomas Chater on this wonderful achievement.

Winning Work: Travailler Ensemble (Working Together)

Description: The winning image sheds light on the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, which are fundamental to the processes of memory and learning.

About the Contest
The award ceremony took place at the Embassy of France in Japan on December 11, 2025. This contest aims to highlight the “excellence” and “creativity” inherent in scientific research conducted in Japan, showcasing its aesthetic beauty to the general public.

For the 2025 edition, 12 finalists were selected from over 50 submissions. Regarding the selected works, the Embassy stated:

“These works remind us that research is a quest for knowledge and a source of wonder. They contribute to making science visible, more accessible, and more thought-provoking.”