2025 Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition
The Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition is an annual event that highlights the remarkable intersection of art and science, inviting participants to visually capture the beauty and complexity of scientific phenomena. Scientists and researchers from around the world, working or studying at graduate level or higher, are encouraged to submit striking, scientifically meaningful images. Participants can choose from five distinct categories: Astronomy, Behaviour, Earth Science and Climatology, Ecology and Environmental Science, and Micro-imaging, providing ample scope for creativity, innovation, and precision.
Each entry must be complemented by a detailed scientific and technical description, ensuring that every photograph not only captivates but also educates. This unique requirement distinguishes the competition from other photographic contests, emphasizing the importance of science communication and making complex topics more accessible to a broad audience. Through compelling visuals and clear, explanatory narratives, entries demonstrate both scientific rigor and artistic finesse, serving as powerful tools for promoting public engagement with science.
In addition to celebrating photographic excellence, the competition fosters greater visibility for scientists and their research, showcasing winning images prominently in Royal Society journals and across online platforms. Winners gain international recognition and substantial exposure within both scientific and artistic communities, significantly benefiting their professional profiles. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding, the Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition not only rewards excellence but also inspires broader appreciation for the vital role of visual storytelling in science.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to anyone studying or working in science at graduate level or above.
Prize
Each category winner receives £500, a certificate, and a one-year membership to the Royal Photographic Society; the overall winner—chosen from among the category winners—receives an additional £500 (making a total of £1,000), features on the cover of a Royal Society journal, and is granted a full Article Processing Charge (APC) waiver for their next open-access publication.
Deadline: August 15, 2025