Entries open for Science Without Borders® Challenge

The Science Without Borders® Challenge 2027 is an international student art competition that uses creative artwork to raise awareness about ocean conservation, marine safety, and responsible navigation. Students aged 11–19 from any country can submit original two-dimensional artwork based on the theme “Navigate with Care,” with scholarships of up to $500 available to winners in two age categories.

What Is the Science Without Borders® Challenge?

The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international art contest that combines creativity with ocean science, marine conservation, and environmental education.

The competition encourages students to explore important challenges affecting the world’s oceans and aquatic resources through original artwork.

For 2027, the competition focuses on how responsible decisions made by people on the water can protect both marine ecosystems and human life.

What Is the 2027 Theme?

The 2027 theme is “Navigate with Care.”

Participants are asked to create artwork showing how mariners can navigate safely and responsibly while protecting marine environments.

Artwork may explore ideas such as:

• Protecting fragile marine ecosystems.
• Preventing harm to marine animals and habitats.
• Promoting safety at sea.
• Making responsible decisions while navigating.
• Reducing human impacts on oceans.
• Supporting coexistence between people and marine life.
• Protecting ocean resources for future generations.

The artwork should communicate a clear connection between responsible navigation, marine safety, and ocean conservation.

Who Is Eligible?

The competition is open internationally to students who meet the following requirements:

• Age 11 to 19.
• Enrolled in primary or secondary school.
• Home-schooled students may also participate.
• Students may be from any country.
• College and university students are not eligible.

Entries are divided into two age categories:

• Ages 11–14
• Ages 15–19

What Type of Artwork Is Required?

Participants must submit original two-dimensional artwork inspired by the 2027 theme.

The artwork should visually communicate an idea related to responsible navigation and the protection of oceans and aquatic resources.

Students can use their creativity to demonstrate how human actions on the water can either protect or harm marine ecosystems.

What Are the Prizes?

Scholarships are awarded to winning entries in both age categories.

The prize structure includes:

• 1st Place: $500
• 2nd Place: $350
• 3rd Place: $200
• People’s Choice Award: $50

The awards are available in each eligible age group.

How to Enter

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you are:

1. Between 11 and 19 years old.
2. Enrolled in primary or secondary education or the equivalent home-school programme.
3. Not enrolled as a college or university student.

Step 2: Understand the Theme

Study the “Navigate with Care” theme and identify a clear message about responsible navigation.

Consider how actions by boaters, sailors, or other mariners can affect:

• People.
• Marine animals.
• Coral reefs and other habitats.
• Water quality.
• Coastal ecosystems.
• The long-term health of oceans.

Step 3: Create Original Artwork

Produce an original two-dimensional artwork that communicates your interpretation of the theme.

The strongest concepts should make the connection between safe navigation and marine conservation easy to understand.

Step 4: Obtain Teacher or Art Instructor Verification

Every participant must have a teacher or art instructor vouch for the application.

Students should therefore coordinate with their teacher or art instructor before submitting their entry.

Step 5: Submit the Entry

Submit the artwork and required application information according to the competition’s submission requirements.

Step 6: Prepare for the Semi-Final Stage

Semi-finalists must send their original artwork to the organizers to remain eligible for prizes.

Students should therefore retain the original physical artwork after submitting their initial entry.

How Entries Should Approach the Theme

A successful artwork should do more than simply show an ocean or a boat.

The concept should communicate a meaningful environmental or safety message, such as:

• A vessel avoiding sensitive marine habitats.
• Responsible boating around marine animals.
• Safe navigation that prevents collisions.
• Mariners reducing pollution and disturbance.
• People sharing ocean spaces responsibly with wildlife.
• Navigation practices that protect ecosystems for future generations.

The central message should be visually understandable and connected directly to “Navigate with Care.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Participants should avoid:

• Submitting artwork unrelated to the 2027 theme.
• Creating artwork that is not original.
• Submitting work outside the required two-dimensional format.
• Applying when enrolled in college or university.
• Failing to obtain teacher or art instructor verification.
• Destroying or losing the original artwork after submission.
• Focusing only on ocean scenery without communicating a conservation or responsible-navigation message.

Why It Matters

The Science Without Borders® Challenge uses student art as an environmental education tool.

By encouraging young people to explore marine conservation through creative expression, the competition helps build awareness of ocean ecosystems and the relationship between human activities and aquatic environments.

The 2027 theme is particularly relevant because responsible navigation can help reduce risks to both people and marine life, supporting safer and more sustainable use of ocean resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Science Without Borders® Challenge?

Students aged 11–19 enrolled in primary or secondary school, including the equivalent of home schooling, can participate. The competition is open to students worldwide.

Are university students eligible?

No. College and university students are not eligible for the competition.

What is the 2027 theme?

The 2027 theme is “Navigate with Care.” Students should explore how responsible navigation can protect people, marine life, and fragile ocean ecosystems.

What type of artwork can be submitted?

Participants must create original two-dimensional artwork addressing the competition theme.

How much can winners receive?

The top prize is $500, followed by $350 for second place and $200 for third place. A $50 People’s Choice Award is also available in each age category.

What are the age categories?

Entries are judged in two groups: ages 11–14 and ages 15–19.

Is teacher verification required?

Yes. Each participant must have a teacher or art instructor vouch for their application. Semi-finalists must also submit their original artwork to remain eligible for prizes.

Conclusion

The Science Without Borders® Challenge 2027 gives students an opportunity to combine art, ocean science, environmental awareness, and marine conservation. Through the theme “Navigate with Care,” participants can use original artwork to show how responsible decisions at sea can protect people, marine ecosystems, and aquatic life while helping preserve the oceans for future generations.