The Science Without Borders® Challenge is a global art competition designed to inspire young artists and promote awareness about ocean conservation. Created by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, the challenge encourages students to express their creativity while educating others about the importance of protecting and preserving the world’s oceans.
This international contest invites primary and secondary school students aged 11–19 to participate by submitting original, handmade artworks focused on ocean and aquatic conservation themes. Winners receive scholarships of up to $500 and international recognition for their artistic contribution.
2026 Theme: “Microscopic Marine Life”
The theme for the 2026 Science Without Borders® Challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.”
Although these organisms are too small to be seen by the naked eye, they play a huge role in sustaining our oceans and the planet. They form the base of marine food webs, produce oxygen, recycle nutrients, and help regulate the Earth’s climate.
Students are invited to create artwork that highlights the positive impact of phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, protists, and other tiny ocean creatures. The goal is to showcase how these microorganisms support marine ecosystems and maintain global environmental balance.
Prizes and Recognition
Winning participants will receive the following scholarship awards:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $350
- 3rd Place: $200
Additionally, a “People’s Choice Award” of $50 will be given to a winner in each age group.
Also Apply For: Bloomberg Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University 2025–2026 Fully Funded Program
Eligibility
The challenge is open to all students worldwide aged 11–19 who are currently enrolled in primary or secondary school (or homeschool equivalent). College students are not eligible.
Entries are divided into two age categories:
- 11–14 years old
- 15–19 years old
Deadline
The submission deadline for the 2026 Science Without Borders Challenge is Monday, March 2, 2026.
Students are encouraged to apply early and follow the foundation’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads, and Bluesky) for updates.
How to Apply
To participate:
- Complete the online entry form on the official website.
- Upload a clear photo of your artwork.
- If you are under 13, a parent or guardian must provide consent.
- Ensure your submission follows the contest rules and is submitted before the deadline.
Contest Rules
Participants must create original, two-dimensional artwork made by hand, such as paintings or drawings. Digital artwork is not allowed.
Semi-finalists may be required to mail in their original artwork for final judging.
Judging Criteria
A panel of artists, educators, and scientists will evaluate all entries based on:
- Understanding and interpretation of the theme
- Artistic quality and originality
- Composition, creativity, and emotion
- Overall presentation and neatness
Certificates
After the winners are announced, participation certificates are sent to eligible contestants via email. If you don’t receive yours, check your spam/junk folder before contacting the organizers.
For Teachers
Teachers are encouraged to help their students participate. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation provides educational resources, grading rubrics, and lesson plans to support classroom engagement and help students align their artwork with the contest’s theme.
The Science Without Borders® Challenge 2026 is more than just an art contest; it’s a movement to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates to protect our planet through creativity and science.
For more inquiries, visit Science Without Borders Challenge.
