The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international contest that engages students and teachers in ocean conservation through art. This annual competition inspires students to be creative while promoting public awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources, contributing to the overarching goals of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation.
The Challenge is open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, with scholarships of up to $500 awarded to the winning entries.
The theme for the 2026 Science Without Borders® Challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.” Although invisible to the naked eye, microscopic organisms play a vital role in maintaining the health of our ocean and our planet. These tiny but mighty creatures form the base of marine food webs, produce much of the world’s oxygen, recycle nutrients, and even help regulate the climate.
To apply for this year’s contest, students should submit artwork that highlights the positive impact of microscopic marine organisms, such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, protists, and other tiny ocean life. Artwork should show how these organisms contribute to ocean ecosystems, support marine life, or impact the health of the planet. Through their art, students will reveal the hidden beauty and importance of life at the smallest scale.
This international art competition is open to all students 11-19 years old. Students must be enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home school equivalent. College and university students are not eligible for this contest.
Work will be judged in two categories based on age, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded for each:
Students 11-14 years old
Students 15-19 years old
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All Science Without Borders® Challenge certificates were sent to eligible participants after the winners are announced to the email addresses provided in the application. If you, your parent/guardian, or teacher have not received your certificate, please check your junk or spam email folders before contacting us.
For Teachers
To help teachers encourage their students to participate in the Science Without Borders® Challenge, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has compiled a number of resources to help them do so. This includes providing information and links to lesson plans to help students learn about the theme, a grading rubric, and a handout they can use in their classrooms.
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Application Process
Required Documents:
Go to Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation on www.livingoceansfoundation.org to apply
To apply to the 2026 Science Without Borders Challenge, fill out the online entry form, upload a picture of your artwork, and make sure everything is submitted before the deadline!
If you are under the age of 13, your parents will be asked to provide consent, so make sure not to wait until the last minute.
Before applying, check out our Tips for Success for suggestions on how to make the most of your application, such as how to write a compelling artist’s statement that describes how your artwork relates to this year’s theme.
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