Deadline:
March 01, 2027
Location(s)
Online
Overview
The 2027 Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international student art contest organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. This year’s theme, “Navigate with Care,” asks students to create artwork showing how safe and responsible navigation can protect marine life, conserve fragile ocean ecosystems, and promote safety at sea.
The contest is open to students worldwide ages 11–19 enrolled in primary or secondary school (or the home-school equivalent). Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded. New for 2027, participants must submit two progress photos documenting the creation of their artwork. Entries are due March 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Details
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is excited to announce the 15th Annual Science Without Borders® Challenge.
The 2027 theme is “Navigate with Care.” People rely on the ocean for transportation, recreation, commerce, and livelihoods, but the choices made while navigating can also affect marine life and fragile ocean habitats. Safe and responsible navigation can help prevent vessel strikes, groundings, anchor damage, pollution, and other impacts while also promoting safety for people on the water.
To apply for this year’s contest, students should submit artwork showing how people can Navigate with Care to protect both people and life in the ocean. Artwork should demonstrate how decisions made on the water can protect marine life, conserve fragile ecosystems, promote safety at sea, and help people and nature coexist while safeguarding the ocean for future generations.
The Challenge is open to students worldwide who are 11–19 years old and enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home-school equivalent. College and university students are not eligible.
Work will be judged in two categories based on age, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded in each:
- Students 11–14 years old
- Students 15–19 years old
Winners of the Science Without Borders® Challenge will receive the following scholarships:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $350
- 3rd Place: $200
- The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation also offers a People’s Choice Award, with a $50 scholarship awarded to the winner in each age group.
New for 2027, each participant must submit two progress photos documenting the creation of their artwork, along with a high-quality image of the completed artwork. The progress photos are used only to verify the originality of the submission and will not be judged, published, displayed, exhibited, or used for promotional purposes. Only the final artwork will be judged.
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international contest that engages students and teachers in ocean conservation through art. Each year, it encourages young people to combine creativity with ocean learning while raising awareness of the importance of protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a creative student who is interested in art, the ocean, and environmental conservation. Successful entries should clearly demonstrate an understanding of the “Navigate with Care” theme through both the artwork and artist’s statement.
A panel of artists, educators, and scientists evaluates eligible entries using five criteria: Understanding of Theme, Elements of Art, Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Visual Impact. Judges look for artwork that thoughtfully communicates the theme, effectively uses artistic elements such as line, shape, form, value, composition, and color, demonstrates originality and individual style, is carefully executed, and creates a strong and memorable impression. Each category is scored from 1–5 points, for a total possible score of 25.
Students are encouraged to review the judging rubric before beginning their artwork and use it as a guide throughout the creative process.
See Judging Process and Grading Rubric for more information.
Dates
Deadline: March 01, 2027
Cost/funding for participants
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is free to enter. There is no application or submission fee. Winners receive scholarships of $500 for 1st place, $350 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place in each age category. A $50 People’s Choice scholarship is also awarded in each age group.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
