Scientists from the University of Newcastle have traded their lab coats for art smocks to create artworks for an exhibition of science-inspired art work.

The exhibition is the culmination of the Science Arts Initiative - a series of intensive workshops designed to allow scientists to explore creative practices under the guidance of local artists from the Octapod Association.

The resulting works include an aurora created with sound, and videos involving lasers.

Dr Daniel Cotton from the University of Newcastle said scientists were by neccesity creative people.

"Two columns of data are useless without the imagination to see how they might be related. However, this natural creativity is often tempered by the need to be clear and concise in scientific hypothesis.

"This exhibition provides the scientists with an outlet for creative energy and gives the public an insight into another side of science."

The Science Arts Initiative is a collaboration between the University's Faculty of Science and Information Technology and the Octapod Association.

The works will be displayed on Thursday 11 December 2008 from 6pm - 8pm at the Shopfront, 401 Hunter St, Newcastle.