The Faculty of Natural Sciences' PhD photo competition asks students to submit images and narratives that convey their research to a general audience.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FoNS) has opened a photo competition to all PhD students in the Faculty, inviting them to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience using images and narratives.

The deadline for submission will be 17.00 on 20 February 2023.

Students are limited to one submission each, and each submission should contain a photo and accompanying caption of around 80-100 words that conveys the entrant’s work.

Dr Mike Tennant, the Vice-Dean of Education for the Faculty, says that the competition is a valuable opportunity for researchers to develop science communication skills: “Capturing our work and interests in compelling and imaginative ways helps us share our passion for the practice of science with others.”

Two prizes of up to £250 will be awarded by a panel of judges, as well as a People’s Choice Award (worth £150) decided by a vote of Imperial staff and students.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an exhibition event and drinks reception organised by the Faculty on 15 March 2023 in the College main entrance on Exhibition Road. Shortlisted images will be exhibited on the day to allow visitors to view them.

“As an avid observer of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards at the Natural History Museum, I can’t wait to see what you can do,” Dr Tennant says.

We encourage entrants to first read the competition’s entry requirements before filling out the form for their submissions, which can both be found on the Imperial website.