Conference Challenges Left-brain, Right-brain Dichotomy

International gathering of medical illustrators explores how scientific visuals foster breakthroughs in research, understanding

News provided by

Association of Medical Illustrators

Jul 18, 2012, 04:22 ET

TORONTO, July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Art and science are often diametrically opposed. The stereotype of left-brain/right-brain predominance prevails – we assume a molecular biologist would no sooner pick up a paintbrush than a graphic designer would don a lab coat and contemplate the inner workings of the human body. But, this doesn't hold true in the world of medical illustration. And this summer, over 400 of the world's leading medical and scientific artists, game developers, simulation experts, researchers, animators and innovators will gather in Toronto to prove it.

Presented by the international non-profit organization, the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI), ILLUMINATE is a four-day event of renowned speakers, technical workshops, and artwork displays, that is open for registration to anyone with a passion for the melding of science and art. Offerings include:

Renowned biologist E.O. Wilson and Harvard's Gael McGill will discuss EO Wilson's Life on Earth, the revolutionary iBook that is changing the world of educational publishing
Daily themed content focusing on: Medical & Scientific Education (Thurs, Jul 26), Scientific Visualization (Fri, Jul 27) and Medical Simulation & Gaming (Sat, Jul 28) – reflecting Toronto's world-class reputation in advances in healthcare research, biotechnology, and higher learning
The opportunity to view inspiring scientific and medical art in the Media Exhibit (Salon) which includes hundreds of examples of illustration, animation, interactive media, models, texts and iPad apps

To reserve your Press Pass, request a Digital Media Kit complete with award-winning examples of medical illustration, and to schedule interviews, please contact Melanie Bowzer at [email protected] or 859-514-9181.

Main Event (Registration or press-pass required)
Name: ILLUMINATE: Exploring Ideas in Biomedical Visual Communication
Start Date / End Date: Wednesday July 25 - Saturday July 28, 2012
Media Exhibit (Salon) Opening: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm,July 25 (exhibit open daily)
Location: Delta Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, Canada
Website: http://www.ami.org/meetings/2012/

Satellite Events (Free to Public)
Name: LEFT BRAIN/RIGHT BRAIN – an exhibition of award-winning medical illustration
Locations:

1.	Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (McLaughlin Auditorium and Lecture Theatre)
	July 31 – Aug 2, 9:00AM – 5:00PM daily
	Special presentation by Professor Nicholas Woolridge, University of Toronto
	July 31, 12:00PM

2.	MaRS Discovery District (Atrium)
	July 23 – August 6; Monday to Friday; 9:00AM – 5:00PM daily