A brand-new poetry collection inspired by groundbreaking research at The University of Warwick has been launched as part of the University’s 60th celebrations.

Microscopia, written by award-winning local poet Sujatha Menon, takes an imaginative approach to science and discovery, transforming complex academic ideas into powerful and thought-provoking poetry.

Developed during Sujatha’s residency with Warwick’s Department of Life Sciences – following earlier work with Warwick Medical School – Microscopia features 65 poems shaped by conversations with a team of 14 female scientists, consisting of academics, technicians, post-docs and graduates. Each poem is paired with a short prologue explaining the research behind it, offering an accessible and creative window into the work taking place at Warwick.

One of the poems, 20 Ways to Skin a Spell, has already gained recognition, winning a prize at the Gloucestershire Poetry Festival and earning a nomination – alongside the book itself – for the prestigious Forward Prizes.

Poet in Residence Sujatha Menon, said:

“I’ve always been fascinated by science – it’s in my blood. I come from a family of doctors, I’m trained in complementary medicine, and my work as a yoga teacher has deepened my interest in holistic science. Collaborating with Warwick has been a wonderful way to explore how science and poetry can speak to each other.

“As Poet in Residence since 2022, I’ve been passionate about finding new ways to engage people with research – to look at it differently, through metaphor, emotion, and story. It feels especially meaningful to launch Microscopia during Warwick’s 60th anniversary year – a moment to celebrate the University’s visionary work and invite people in. Warwick is more than an institution – it’s a place to learn from, explore, and be part of.”

Professor Kevin Moffat, former Director of Outreach at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, added:

“Science and art are both about curiosity, creativity and seeing the world in new ways – which is why this collaboration has felt so natural. Sujatha brought such energy, empathy, and imagination into our labs and conversations, helping to capture not just what our researchers do, but how they think and feel about their work.

“Microscopia is a celebration of those voices – especially the women in science who generously shared their stories – and it’s a powerful example of how poetry can open the door to research for so many more people. We’re incredibly proud to have supported it as part of Warwick’s 60th anniversary.”

The poems in Microscopia also sparked a range of outreach activities – from miniature microscope poems featured at ‘Science on the Hill’ events, to school workshops and public talks, supported by the Warwick Institute of Engagement.

Later in 2025, Sujatha’s poetry will appear in a permanent new installation: Poetry Trail: A Science Art Collision. Located across Warwick’s campus, including the ancient bluebell woods of Tocil Woods, the trail will display poems from the collection in outdoor posts – inviting visitors to experience poetry in the natural world while engaging with Warwick’s research in a fresh and immersive way.

For more information, visit: warwick.ac.uk/about/60/

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791