Everything You Need to Know About the Science Without Borders Challenge

If you're a high school student interested in art and the environment, participating in art contests like the Science Without Borders Challenge can help you stand out in college applications. Contests like this showcase your creativity, dedication to global issues, and ability to explore problems through art. They also help you develop critical thinking and storytelling skills, which colleges highly value.

What Is the Science Without Borders Challenge?

The Science Without Borders Challenge is an international art contest organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. It aims to inspire students to use art as a tool for ocean conservation. Established in 2012, the challenge picks a new theme related to ocean conservation every year. It encourages participants to creatively promote preserving, protecting, and restoring the world’s aquatic habitats in keeping with this theme. For this year, the theme is "Marine Keystone Species". 

You will be tasked with illustrating the importance of keystone species in marine ecosystems, showcasing their role in maintaining ecological balance and the potential consequences of their decline. By participating in this contest, you’ll gain knowledge about marine biodiversity and conservation strategies while spreading awareness through your art. The competition is a good way to improve your artistic skills, learn about environmental issues, and become an ambassador for ocean conservation. Winners gain recognition internationally, making it a prestigious addition to any portfolio.

Is this competition prestigious?

The Science Without Borders Challenge attracts participants worldwide, showing the contest’s global reach. The high level of competition means your work will be judged against submissions from students in many countries. Winners have their work showcased by the Living Oceans Foundation, giving them international recognition. The contest’s selectivity ensures that only the best pieces gain recognition, adding to its exclusivity. It’s important to note, however, that the topic and theme of the competition exist in a niche, so participation is only valuable if that niche aligns with your broader goals.

Who is eligible to apply?

To enter the competition, you must be 11-19 years old. There are two groups: one for ages 11-14 and the second for ages 15-19. You must be enrolled in primary or secondary school or homeschooled anywhere in the world.

How is the challenge structured?

The first step to participation is understanding the year’s theme. For this year, the theme is Marine Keystone Species. The Science Without Borders Challenge wants you to create artwork that features aquatic animals or plants that play a pivotal role in keeping their oceanic ecosystems healthy and balanced.

Your submission is due by March 3. It must be an original artwork created by hand using traditional media (e.g., paint, pencils, markers, etc.). Digital art is not allowed. The submission is made by providing a digital image of your artwork. The submission file must be 3-10 MB in size and one of the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or PDF.​

Note that the competition has no entry fee!

Your work will be judged on the following criteria:

• Your understanding of the theme and how well it is incorporated in your art.

• The elements of art in your work, the visual components such as line, shape, form, value, composition, color, etc.

• Creativity and originality.

• Your craftsmanship and expertise.

• The visual impact and aesthetic of the artwork itself.

Pros and Cons of the Science Without Borders Challenge

Pros:

1. It’s a prestigious global platform: You’ll compete with students worldwide and receive global recognition if you win.

2. You will learn about art and science: The challenge is a good way to apply your artistic talent and skills by thoroughly understanding marine biology. The competition will encourage you to explore interdisciplinary connections. 

3. No cost: The competition is free to enter, making it accessible to all eligible students.

4. You can build your college applications portfolio: Your artwork from this competition can strengthen your college applications if you’re interested in art and marine science. Winning an international competition is a great achievement to add to your application. 

Cons:

1. High competition: The international scale and free entry means you’ll likely face tough competition.

2. Can be time-consuming: Creating artwork aligned with the theme and writing a suitable description takes effort.

3. It is subject-specific: If you aren’t interested in marine conservation, the theme may feel limiting​ and will not add much value to your resume.

Final thoughts

The Science Without Borders Challenge is a valuable opportunity if you are interested in the niche intersection of art and marine conservation. It allows you to showcase your talent, learn about critical ocean issues, and make an impact through art. Whether you win or not, participating helps you grow as an artist and advocate for the environment. While it is a prestigious competition with good global exposure, its niche focus makes it worthwhile only if it aligns with your academic and career goals.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Image Source - Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Logo