Call for Applications for the Science without Borders Challenge is open now!
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international contest that engages students and teachers in ocean conservation through art. This annual competition inspires students to be creative while promoting public awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources, contributing to the overarching goals of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. The Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, with scholarships of up to $500 awarded to the winning entries.
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The theme for the 2026 Science Without Borders® Challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.” Although invisible to the naked eye, microscopic organisms play a vital role in maintaining the health of our ocean and our planet. These tiny but mighty creatures form the base of marine food webs, produce much of the world’s oxygen, recycle nutrients, and even help regulate the climate.
Before beginning your artwork, make sure to review the Contest Rules for more information on the types of art they are looking for. For example, the Science Without Borders® Challenge only accepts original 2-dimensional pieces of artwork students have created by hand, such as a painting or a drawing. Although the application process is online, semi-finalists will be required to mail in the original artwork in order to be eligible to win.
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To apply for this year’s contest, students should submit artwork that highlights the positive impact of microscopic marine organisms, such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, protists, and other tiny ocean life. Artwork should show how these organisms contribute to ocean ecosystems, support marine life, or impact the health of the planet. Through their art, students will reveal the hidden beauty and importance of life at the smallest scale.
A panel of artists, educators, and scientists judge the Science Without Borders® Challenge. Artwork will be evaluated on the quality of the artwork, originality, and adherence to the theme. The judges will use a Grading Rubric to evaluate the artwork.
The applicant agrees that the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation will retain the submitted artwork and the art description, which may use it to promote the Science Without Borders® Challenge, ocean conservation, and the work of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation in all media worldwide in perpetuity.
Artwork, art descriptions, and select student information (such as name, country, and age) may be used in publications and distributed to the media.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
Winners of the Science Without Borders® Challenge will be awarded with the following scholarships:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $350
- 3rd Place: $200
Eligibilities
- This international art competition is open to all students 11-19 years old. Students must be enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home school equivalent.
- Work will be judged in two categories based on age, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded for each:
- Students 11-14 years old
- Students 15-19 years old
- All artwork must be an original work by the contestant and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties.
- The artwork must be 2D such as a painting or drawing. Acceptable media includes paint, pencil, marker, crayon, ink, felt, and oil pastel.
Application Process
- To apply to the 2026 Science Without Borders Challenge, fill out the online entry form
- Upload a picture of your artwork, and make sure everything is submitted before the deadline.
- If you are under the age of 13, your parents will be asked to provide consent, so make sure not to wait until the last minute.
- Before applying, check out our Tips for Success for suggestions on how to make the most of your application, such as how to write a compelling artist’s statement that describes how your artwork relates to this year’s theme.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2026 (112 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
