The journal Small is thrilled to be sponsoring an image contest, for images generated in the course of scientific research.

Three winners will be selected, by an internal panel of editors.

First prize: a €100 Amazon gift voucher (or local equivalent) as well as a feature on the front cover of an upcoming issue of Small and an A2-sized poster of this cover.

Two runners up will receive Amazon gift vouchers (or local equivalent) worth €50 each.

All accepted entries will be displayed online. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for eye-catching images that showcase the beauty, ingenuity, and hard work that go into scientific research.

We love science and want to show it in its best light! For this contest, we will focus on the aesthetic value of photographs or experimental images generated in the lab. For example, you could submit a microscopy image, an artistic photograph capturing an experimental setup or instrumentation, or discovery.

You can browse a selection of images that have previously been featured in our series, This month in pictures.

Conditions of Entry:

• Entrants do not have to have published with Small.
• Entrants should have a fixed affiliation (academia or industry) and be engaged in scientific research, but may be at any stage of their career (including students).
• Only original images should be submitted; the entrant should be the creator of the image and should have permission to use it for this contest.
• All accepted entries will be published together online: entrants will be required to sign a copyright transfer agreement for this purpose and, should the entry be selected for first place, for the purpose of publishing the image as a journal cover. 
• One image/submission per entrant is allowed.
• Images should not contain text, brand names, logos, or trademarks.
• AI-generated/modified images are not welcome.
• Images which contain content deemed to be offensive or found not to comply with the listed conditions will be disqualified, at the discretion of the editors.

Submission Requirements:

• Images should be submitted in .png, .jpeg, or .tiff format, with the highest possible resolution/bit depth (aim for a minimum of 300 pixels per inch).
• Please include a proposed title for your image and a maximum 100-word description. Consider: What does it show? Why is it significant? How was it captured?

How to enter:

• Email your submission to [email protected] with the subject ‘Image Contest 2027’ by 11:59pm CET November 30, 2021.
• In the body of the email, please include your full name, email address and affiliation; if applicable, also include your academic title, lab page link, and any social media handles.
• If your image is too large to attach to an email, send us a screen shot and, if it’s selected, we will send you a link to where you can upload it.

I agree to be contacted and for my information and any related data supplied for the contest to be stored for the purposes of this contest

I agree to be contacted about future contests.

Submission link for Small / My entry was collected in relation to an upcoming paper and I would like to receive a personal invitation to submit to the journal.

Before you finish, take a moment to ensure that your entry is complete. Our team will be in touch to confirm whether your entry can be accepted for the contest. Winners will be additionally contacted via email, after the closing date.

Good luck!