The book of the ‘Picture of Health’ project has landed, and it’s stunning. I’m in awe of the range and beauty of the pieces included.

Hosted by the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, the project asked all sorts of people – scientists, writers, artists, public figures, schoolchildren, activists and community leaders – what the phrase ‘a picture of health’ meant to them. The results include drawings, poems, prose, photographs, collage, sculpture, textiles and installations.

Contributors include Ben Okri, Sadiq Khan, Michael Rosen, Jon Snow, Jane Goodall, Brian Patten, Hugo Williams, Michael de Souza, Dan Simpson, Virginia Bottomley, and lots more.

As well as the book, public events included an exhibition and several talks – which are available to watch on YouTube.

My ‘Microbiome ghazal’ is featured in the ‘Exploring Art and Science in Health‘ session, about 52 minutes in.

You can find out more about the project here.