Anna Dumitriu, BioArt: Infusoria
Art made with bacteria, DNA and felt, created during a residency with Oxford microbiologists. Free to visit at the John Radcliffe Hospital until 7 November 2026.
Photo: Luna Char, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Oxford’s biotechnology usually happens behind laboratory doors. This autumn some of it is on show in a hospital corridor. Anna Dumitriu, an internationally known artist and a pioneer of the BioArt movement, is showing new work at the John Radcliffe Hospital from 27 September to 7 November 2026, as part of the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival. Entry is free and there is nothing to book.
Dumitriu works with living and once-living materials, including bacteria and DNA. Her pieces look like relics or textiles, and they are made with the methods of a working laboratory. The festival describes them as drawing threads "from the history of science and medicine to cutting-edge research in synthetic biology, genomics and AI".
At a glance
| Dates | Sunday 27 September to Saturday 7 November 2026 |
| Where | John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU |
| Price | Free, drop-in |
| Opening | All day: the hospital is open 24 hours |
| Age | All ages; under-16s with a responsible adult |
| Part of | IF Oxford, the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival |
The work
The exhibition comes out of Dumitriu’s residency with Modernising Medical Microbiology, a research group at the University of Oxford. It includes felted artworks about the fragile microbiome, pieces that contain sterilised antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and new work about the health of water systems, which is her current research. Some works use sustainable and recycled biomaterials developed with Oxford University researchers.
That is what makes the show worth a detour. Antibiotic resistance, genomics and the microbiome are usually explained with charts. Here they come as objects you can stand in front of, in the building where Oxford treats infections every day.
The festival around it
IF Oxford is an independent charity that has produced a science and ideas festival for the city since 1992. The 2026 festival runs through October with more than 100 events, most of them free or Pay What You Decide, from family days to evening talks. Dumitriu’s exhibition stays open for six weeks, longer than most of the programme, and the festival also lists a talk on what happens when scientists and artists collaborate.
More biotech in Oxford
For people who work in the field rather than just visit it, the Oxford University Biotech Society runs talks and networking through the university year. Its OxBio Summit, held for the first time on 9 May 2026 at the Life and Mind Building, brought together researchers, founders and investors under the theme "Translating Discoveries to Impact". Our guide to Oxford’s innovation and spin-out cluster covers the companies behind it.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Infusoria?
From 27 September to 7 November 2026 at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU.
Does it cost anything?
No. The exhibition is free and drop-in, with no booking.
Who is Anna Dumitriu?
An internationally known artist and pioneer of the BioArt movement who works with biomaterials such as bacteria and DNA. This show was developed during her residency with Modernising Medical Microbiology at the University of Oxford.
Is it suitable for children?
The festival lists it for all ages. Under-16s should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Exhibition details at IF Oxford
Sources
- if-oxford.com, Anna Dumitriu, BioArt: Infusoria
- if-oxford.com, about the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival
- if-oxford.com, the 2026 festival programme
- annadumitriu.co.uk, the artist's website
- oxfordbiotech.uk, OxBio Summit 2026
This is an independent guide compiled by the Oxford Society for its members. We are not affiliated with, nor the organiser of, this event. Booking and official information live on the organiser's website, linked above. Dates and programmes can change, so always confirm on the official site before making plans.
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