The Royal Society of Biology is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Nancy Rothwell Award for specimen drawing.

Held annually, the Nancy Rothwell Award celebrates specimen drawing in schools and highlights the benefits of combining art and science, and this year, over 300 entries were submitted from all over the UK.

The winning, outstanding and highly commended drawings were displayed at the Royal Society of Biology Annual Awards Ceremony at The Hatton, London, as part of Biology Week 2017.

Molly Wood, 17, from St Thomas More Catholic School in Blaydon, takes home the top prize in the 15-18 age category for her intricate and colourful drawing of the Nautilus pompilus. The drawing features both an internal and external view of the Nautilus anatomy, alongside detailed labels.

She said of her drawing: “When initially considering the subject of my piece, I was drawn to the Chambered Nautilus for its distinctive appearance. In particular, I found its unique colours and patterned shell, as well as the complexity of its form, with its sleek exterior shell and tangled mass of tentacles, unusual and intriguing.

“I have always been interested in art and science, so the Award was a great way to express these interests.”

Kirstin Greatorex, 11, from Durham High School for Girls took home the 7-11 age category prize for her picture of a ram skull.

Oishee Ghosh, 14 from Leicester High School for Girls, received the 12-14 age category prize for her drawing of a greater Swiss mountain dog.

Judge Andrew R Crook MBE, head of anatomy service at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), said: “I always feel with the Nancy Rothwell Award, that the standard of artwork that we see cannot possibly get any better, and then it does!

"This year’s offerings are incredible. It is so inspiring to find young people engaging with the natural world around them through art.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient Nautilus, so to see one so well depicted in Molly’s drawing is wonderful. The sense of curvature in the whole animal and the detail in the dissected picture are magnificent.”

The winning artists will each receive drawing equipment, an experience day at RVC, £25 for themselves and £250 for their school.

The competition was judged by Professor Susan Standring FRSB, editor-in-chief of Gray’s Anatomy from King's College London, Dr Grace Sim, outreach development manager at the Royal Veterinary College, Timothy Pond, artist from the  Zoological Society of London, Tom Ireland MRSB, the managing editor of The Biologist and Lucy Coia AMRSB, membership and marketing officer at the Royal Society of Biology.