Scientists Hold Their Work: A Photo Project Reveals Modern-Day Linnaeuses

A new photography project captures Swedish scientists who follow the legacy of Carl Linnaeus. Linnaeus was the botanist who created the modern system for naming and classifying all life. Photographer Christer Björkman created the series, titled ‘De Oförtrutna’ (The Relentless). He asked each researcher to bring two key items to their portrait: a important book and an object central to their work. The subjects study a wide range of organisms. Their specialties include tiny wasps and hairy plants. The photographs connect their modern passion to the historical spirit of Linnaeus. The project shows the ongoing work of classification, known as taxonomy. This science continues to discover and understand Earth's biodiversity.