2026 Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition is now open for entries!
The Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition 2026 is an annual event that highlights the remarkable intersection of art and science, inviting participants to visually capture the beauty and complexity of scientific phenomena.
Short description
The Royal Society is delighted to announce that the 2026 Photography Competition is now open for entries!
This is an annual event that highlights the remarkable intersection of art and science, inviting participants to visually capture the beauty and complexity of scientific phenomena.
The competition invites science-focused images that combine visual impact with clear scientific interest. Scientists and researchers from around the world, working or studying at graduate level or higher, are encouraged to submit striking, scientifically meaningful images.
The competition is especially relevant for researchers, scientists and graduate-level science communities who use photography to document, interpret and communicate the natural world. With shortlisted images displayed in an online exhibition and winning work recognised by Royal Society Publishing and The Royal Photographic Society, it offers a strong platform for scientific photography.
Participants can choose from five distinct categories: Astronomy, Behaviour, Earth Science and Climatology, Ecology and Environmental Science, and Micro-imaging, providing ample scope for creativity, innovation, and precision.
Each entry must be complemented by a detailed scientific and technical description, ensuring that every photograph not only captivates but also educates.
This unique requirement distinguishes the competition from other photographic contests, emphasizing the importance of science communication and making complex topics more accessible to a broad audience. Through compelling visuals and clear, explanatory narratives, entries demonstrate both scientific rigor and artistic finesse, serving as powerful tools for promoting public engagement with science.
In addition to celebrating photographic excellence, the competition fosters greater visibility for scientists and their research, showcasing winning images prominently in Royal Society journals and across online platforms.
Entries are judged on two key criteria: aesthetic quality and the ability to convey an interesting scientific phenomenon.
Winners gain international recognition and substantial exposure within both scientific and artistic communities, significantly benefiting their professional profiles. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding, the Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition not only rewards excellence but also inspires broader appreciation for the vital role of visual storytelling in science.
Eligibility
This competition is open worldwide to anyone studying or working in science at graduate level or above.
Benefits
Each category winner receives £500, a certificate, and a one-year membership to the Royal Photographic Society. The overall winner chosen from among the category winners—receives an additional £500 (making a total of £1,000), features on the cover of a Royal Society journal, and is granted a full Article Processing Charge (APC) waiver for their next open-access publication.
Entry fees
The competition is free to enter.
