Sixth annual image of the year contest opens

Scientists and microscopy enthusiasts around the world are invited to share their most striking images under the microscope as Evident launches its sixth annual Image of the Year contest. The competition celebrates the intersection of art and science, showcasing the technical skill and creativity behind modern imaging. Entries are open until 30 January 2026.

Winners of the global and regional prizes will receive state-of-the-art microscopes and digital cameras, including the SZX7 stereo microscope with DP23 camera, UPLXAPO objectives, and CX23 upright microscopes. A special category also recognises outstanding images in materials science and engineering.

An international jury of experts - including returning members from Brown University, Drexel University, and National Cheng Kung University, as well as newcomers from the University of Zurich, BioBus, Seoul National University, and the Frontier Laboratory of Brain Science - will judge submissions based on artistic impact, scientific relevance, and microscopy proficiency.

Past winners have seen their work featured in leading scientific publications worldwide, highlighting both the beauty and discovery inherent in microscopy. Participants can submit up to three images with details of their equipment at Evident’s contest page. Winners will be announced in spring 2026.

Since its launch in 2017, the Image of the Year Award has encouraged scientists to look at the microscopic world in new ways, celebrating images that are as visually stunning as they are scientifically meaningful.

For inspiration, past winning images and techniques can be explored at Evident’s gallery.

More information online