Eligibility
Must be a current Centre member (researcher, partner investigator or professional/technical staff) at a participating Centre of Excellence. Communications professionals are not allowed to enter.
Theme
Creatively communicate your research or the research of your lab/Centre.
Categories
- Photography / microscopy
- Digital artwork
- Drawing / Painting / Sculpture (a photo of the piece will need to be submitted)
- Meme
- 1 min video
- Graphic Novels / comics
Each submission must include a description of the artwork that outlines how it was made and how it links to their area of research. An example is below:
Created using layered digital illustration inspired by plant microscopy images, this piece visualises the invisible process of photosynthesis. Leaves are depicted as glowing structures to represent the flow of energy through plant cells, reflecting research into how plants convert light into the energy that fuels growth. No AI was used.
Rules
- Entries must not cause reasonable offence or disrespect, inappropriate content may include – sexually explicit material, false or misleading information, violence, extremism or hateful or offensive material.
- No use of generative AI – AI tools can be used to assist in editing but cannot be used for original content creation. If you have used AI you will be asked to declare which tool you used and how you used it.
- Keep it original – no copyrighted or trademarked material please!
- By submitting, participants agree that their Centre can use their design in communications materials including but not limited to merchandise, reports, website and social media. The artist(s) will be credited and retains original copyright.
- Team entries are allowed, prize money is shared between the team.
Timeline
Entry period: 1st June – 31st July 2026
Judging/voting period: 1st – 14th August 2026
Winner announcement – Week starting 17th August 2026 (National Science Week)
Prizes
Judges’ Prize:
- 1st prize (6 categories) – $400 Gift Card
- 2nd prize (6 categories) – $170 Gift Card
People’s Choice by public vote: 1 prize per category, $150 Gift Card
Judging Criteria
For Judges
- Creativity (25%)
- Originality (25%)
- Clear research communication (25%)
- Visual impact (25%)
People’s Choice
Voting will take place on this website 1st – 14th August 2026
The People’s Choice Award in each category will be awarded to the highest-voted entry that has not received a Judges’ 1st or 2nd Prize. In the event of a tie in public voting, the judging panel will determine the recipient.
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