Read about the scientists, artists and institutions behind these winning images.
Spike is the creator of five of our Award-winning images this year and has collected a total of 19 Awards since their inception. His first microscope was a present he received aged ten, which at £4.50 cost his father almost his total monthly wage. Two or three years later Spike began to produce photomicrographs directly onto photographic printing paper. This involved laying his microscope on the settee in the front room using a 15-watt cooker bulb to project the image onto the paper held in the hinged lid of a small biscuit tin. Spike took early retirement 25 years ago, having taught in schools and colleges after gaining a degree in zoology. This decision enabled him to "satisfy [his] creative urges" and pursue his passion for microscopy full-time. His 'studio' has evolved from the spare bedroom to a well-equipped laboratory in his garage.
Of digital imaging and how it has revolutionised photomicrographic technique, Spike declares: "this is a new lease of life for me, I'm now working 14 hours a day making new, exciting images".
To find out more about the individual images, click on the thumbnails below.