Deadline: March 2, 2026
The Science Without Borders Challenge 2026 is an international student art competition designed to inspire creativity while promoting public awareness about ocean conservation. Organised annually by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, the challenge encourages students from around the world to use art as a powerful tool to highlight the importance of preserving, protecting, and restoring the world’s oceans and aquatic resources.
For the 2026 edition, the theme is “Microscopic Marine Life” — a fascinating exploration of the tiny yet mighty organisms that sustain marine ecosystems. From phytoplankton and zooplankton to bacteria and protists, these microscopic creatures play vital roles in maintaining the balance of life beneath the waves. Through this year’s theme, participants are encouraged to artistically portray how these small but essential organisms contribute to the ocean’s health, food webs, and climate regulation.
Theme: “Microscopic Marine Life”
The Science Without Borders Challenge 2026 invites young artists to dive deep into the world of microscopic marine organisms. These include:
- Phytoplankton – the ocean’s primary producers that generate most of the Earth’s oxygen.
- Zooplankton – tiny animals that feed larger marine life and transfer energy up the food chain.
- Bacteria and Protists – the unsung recyclers and decomposers that keep marine systems balanced.
Participants are encouraged to create original artworks that capture the beauty, diversity, and significance of these often unseen ocean heroes.
Application Deadline
The submission deadline for all entries is 2 March 2026. Late entries will not be accepted, so participants are encouraged to begin early to allow adequate time for research, artwork creation, and submission.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Science Without Borders Challenge 2026:
- Applicants must be students aged 11–19 years.
- They must be enrolled in primary or secondary school (or home-school equivalent).
- University or college students are not eligible to participate.
The competition is open globally — students from any country can enter as long as they meet the age requirement.
Age Categories
The competition will be judged in two age categories:
- 11–14 years
- 15–19 years
This ensures fair evaluation and allows participants to compete within their peer groups.
Judging Criteria
All submitted artworks will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Relevance to the theme (demonstrating an understanding of microscopic marine life)
- Composition, use of elements, and visual appeal (line, shape, form, value, colour, balance)
- Neatness and presentation
- Emotional and creative impact
Participants are also expected to submit a short artist’s statement describing their artwork and how it relates to the theme.
Awards and Prizes
Winners of the Science Without Borders Challenge 2026 will receive the following prizes:
🏆 1st Place: $500
🥈 2nd Place: $350
🥉 3rd Place: $200
In addition, a People’s Choice Award of $50 will be presented to the most popular artwork in each age group.
All winners will receive global recognition through the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s website and social media platforms.
Why You Should Participate
This competition is more than an art challenge — it’s an opportunity to:
- Combine science and art (STEAM approach) to raise awareness about marine conservation.
- Showcase your creativity on a global platform and inspire others to care for the oceans.
- Win cash prizes while contributing to real-world environmental education.
- Build your academic and artistic profile, a great addition to future applications or portfolios.
Schools, youth programmes, and mentors are encouraged to integrate this contest into their environmental or art education activities.
How Educators and Organisations Can Get Involved
Educators, mentors, and youth leaders can:
- Host local art workshops to help students learn about microscopic marine life.
- Organise mini-competitions or exhibitions to prepare young participants for global entry.
- Support students with artist statement writing, submission guidance, and presentation tips.
Community-based organisations and innovation hubs can also use this competition to promote youth engagement in STEM and environmental education.
Important Dates & Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Theme | Microscopic Marine Life |
| Deadline | 2 March 2026 |
| Eligibility | Students aged 11–19 (primary or secondary level) |
| Prizes | $500 (1st), $350 (2nd), $200 (3rd), $50 People’s Choice |
| Organiser | Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation |
| Format | Art competition promoting ocean conservation |
Useful Links
👉 Apply for the Science Without Borders Challenge 2026
👉 Read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
