A paper that reflects on the nature of research as a form of exploration and the artist’s book as a means to embody this activity. It focuses on a book project by O'Riley, based on his ongoing research at CERN (the European Laboratory for Particle Physics in Geneva). This was included in a limited edition case-bound publication of keynote and peer-reviewed papers, proceedings and documentation of exhibitions and project events at the Impact 8 International Printmaking Conference, hosted by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee in August 2013.