Under the Lens: An Evening of Microscopic Image Art

Get excited for an evening under the lens and join us for a chance to win $200 cash prizes in our first-ever micrograph and visual arts contest! 

The event will take place at the UBC Biological Sciences Building (atrium and room 1001), co-hosted by BGSA, ZGSA (Botany and Zoology Graduate Student Associations), Characterization@UBC, and BioImaging Facility, and supported by TESCAN, SFR, Hitachi, Characterization@UBC, and Evident. 

This event will feature a microscopy images contest (details can be found below) and an exposition by local artists who use various types of microscopy for their work. Invited artists are Ruby Singh and John Desnoyers-Stewart, and Tania Marie Hennessy. Food and drinks will be provided.

For contestant only, please ensure you have read all the information below before submitting your application. Deadline to submit your application to be considered for the contest is April 17, 2026 (Friday).

If you have any questions in submitting the form, please contact Eun (eunkyoung.lee@botany.ubc.ca).

Microscopy Images Contest Information

1. Eligibility:
   • Current UBC (Vancouver or Okanagan) undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and/or researchers;
   • A complete application includes your micrograph, title, and a brief written description. 
2. Contest category: Each contestant can choose to participate in either the Visual Arts (V) or Scientific Micrograph (S) category -
   1. Visual Arts (V): This category accepts art image submissions that were in part generated through the use of scientific instrumentation at UBC (e.g., a micrograph from the BioImaging Facility). Micrograph images can be altered, added to or used in any artistic manner the contestant would like.
   2. Scientific Micrograph (S): This category accepts micrograph submissions generated through scientific research at UBC. Micrographs must be captured using scientific instrumentation and represent real research observations or data. While colorization and graphic processing are permitted (and encouraged) to enhance clarity and communicate the underlying science, the micrograph itself must remain authentic. When significant post-processing is applied, contestants are encouraged to submit both the original (raw) and altered versions of the micrograph.
3. Submission details:
   1. Any modality allowed, but images must have at least 1024 x 1024 pixels.
   2. BIF will print your image (11"x17" portrait or landscape), title and description to ensure consistency among submissions.
   3. Submissions cannot exceed 1GB.
   4. Images must have been created in association with UBC or UBCO.
   5. Images may be submitted in one of three file formats (e.g., .png, .tiff, or .pdf)
   6. Upload your file in the following naming format: Category (V or S)_Lastname_Technique_2026 (e.g., V_ Doe_SEM_2026). 
4. Selection and evaluation: Images and micrographs will be evaluated based on the submission's visual impact, scientific/ artistic illustration, and description clarity. Full set of criteria will be posted soon.
5. Awards: There will be People's Choice and Sponsor's Choice Awards for both visual arts and scientific micrograph categories. Winners will receive $200 cash prize for each award.

Publication Rights & Copyright

Publication Rights & Copyright

1. Contestants must be the original creators of the micrograph. The contestant (or their institution) must hold all rights to the work.
2. By entering, contestants agree that Characterization@UBC ("the Cluster"), BGSA, ZGSA and Bioimaging Facility (BIF) (herein referred to as "the Organizers") are not responsible for any copyright infringements or subsequent litigation that may arise.
3. The Organizers reserve the right to publish selected micrographs in any media or format (social media, annual reports, marketing materials) to promote the contest, finalists, or university research.
4. The Organizers agree to credit the micrograph’s creator in all publications and presentations, unless technical circumstances prevent it.

Contestant Agreement

1. By submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the official contest rules.
2. All decisions regarding eligibility, disqualification, or award selection are final and not subject to appeal.
3. Selected finalists consent to the use of their name, likeness, and award information for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
4. The Organizers reserves the right to modify, interrupt, or cancel the contest at any time without prior notice.
5. Depending on the number of entries received, the Organizers may limit the number of entries allowed for the judging competition, if this is the case your image may not be selected for judging but will still be displayed.