Deadline: 02-Mar-2026
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has announced its Science without Borders® Challenge to engage students and teachers in ocean conservation through art.
The Science Without Borders Challenge is an annual international art competition that 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 2026 Science Without Borders Challenge theme is “Microscopic Marine Life.” This year, they invite you to create artwork that showcases the incredible world of microscopic marine organisms—tiny life forms that play a vital role in maintaining the health of their ocean and planet.
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.
Participants have the opportunity to win scholarships of up to $500, with prizes awarded as follows: 1st Place – $500, 2nd Place – $350, and 3rd Place – $200. Additionally, a “People’s Choice” award of $50 will be given to winners in each age group.
The contest will have two categories based on age groups: students aged 11–14 and students aged 15–19. This international art competition is open to all students aged 11–19 who are enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home school equivalent. College and university students are not eligible to participate.
Students must fill out the online entry form, upload a picture of their artwork, and ensure that all materials are submitted before the deadline. Those under 13 years of age will require parental consent. Semi-finalists will later be required to mail their original artwork to be eligible for prizes.
All submissions must be original, two-dimensional artwork created by hand, such as paintings or drawings. The judging panel, comprising artists, educators, and scientists, will evaluate entries based on the quality of the artwork, originality, and adherence to the theme.
Participants are encouraged to consider how their art reflects an understanding of the contest’s theme, their use of artistic elements like line, shape, color, and composition, and the emotional impact of their work.
Certificates of participation will be emailed to eligible participants after the winners are announced. Teachers are also supported through dedicated resources provided by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, including lesson plans, grading rubrics, and classroom handouts to help guide students in exploring the theme.
The deadline for submission is Monday, March 2, 2026.
For more information, visit Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation.
