Bringing science to life through photography!

European Researchers' Night 2025 Photo Contest

Welcome to the European Researchers' Night 2025 Photo Contest, a celebration of science through the lens of creativity!

The European Researchers' Night (ERN) is a flagship initiative of the European Commission, running since 2005 under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Held simultaneously in over 30 countries and 300 cities across Europe, this event bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world.

It’s time to showcase the creative side of science

Open to everyone

This Year's Theme: Science for a Sustainable Future

Join us in exploring how research addresses the world's most pressing challenges—from environmental protection to economic growth and social equity. This year’s contest invites you to capture the transformative impact of science in everyday life.

Photo credits: Where is Earth expanding to, by Ana Pinheiro

2025 Edition

JOIN US!

Explore how research tackles global challenges like environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. This year’s contest invites you to showcase science's transformative impact on daily life.

More info is below ⤵

2023

A vision of unique perspectives

The #ERN2023 Photo Competition invited everyone to submit up to two original photos under the theme ‘Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion’.

Check all the participations and winners >

2022

Creativity was celebrated

#ERN2022 Photo Competition celebrated the fusion of science, technology, and art, sparking diverse conversations and inspiring ideas

Check all the participations and winners >

WELCOME to the ‘nanoworld’

Why Participate?

  • For the General Audiences and Schools: Highlight how science influences our daily lives and the vital role it plays in creating a better future.

  • For Scientists: Showcase your research to the public, gain new perspectives, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Why It Matters?

This contest is more than a celebration of science—it’s a platform to:

  • Showcase the importance of scientific careers and investment.

  • Highlight how researchers address global challenges.

  • Strengthen the connection between science and society.

Let’s inspire curiosity, celebrate innovation, and bring science closer to everyone!

General Info

  • The European Researchers’ Night 2025 will take place in different cities of Portugal - Braga, Coimbra, Lisboa and Évora. In Braga, it will happen at Altice Fórum Braga.

  • This year’s theme is Science for a Sustainable Future

  • The #ERN205PhotoCompetition welcomes applicants of any nationality and any age.

  • Each applicant is allowed to submit two images.

  • There is no submission fee.

  • The selected works will be exhibited at INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory on May 31, 2025, during the 2025 INL OPEN DAY. All images will also be displayed online.

Prizes

  • 3 winners will be selected and the prizes will be the following:

    • 1st Place: €300,00 FNAC Voucher

    • 2nd Place: €175,00 FNAC Voucher

    • 3rd Place: €75,00 FNAC Voucher

Evaluation

  • All selected photos will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives of the following areas: creative, innovation and scientific.

  • Judging Criteria: Creativity, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.

Timeline

  • Submission Period: 31 January 2025 to 31 March 2025.

  • Announcement of pre-selected projects: 30 April 2025

  • Exhibition: 31 May 2025, during the 2025 INL OPEN DAY

How to apply 

  • Fill out the Application Form with all the requested information.

  • In the application form, please insert the link to download your work(s).

  • A confirmation email will be delivered to the email specified in the application form. If you do not receive an email from us within 3 working days, please contact us at outreach@inl.int.

Submission Guidelines

Photography

  • All digital files must be sent in JPEG format with a size of 2,000 px on the long side, between 150dpi and 300dpi, and saved at a high-quality level.

Selected Works

  • The selected works and applicants will be announced on 30 April 2025.

  • We will require high-resolution digital files from all selected applicants for exhibition and promotion.

  • We will cover the production cost and installations of selected works. The final presentation of the works will be decided by the curatorial team and organizer (confirming it meets all criteria).

If you have any questions, please contact us at outreach@inl.int or fill out the form below.

Submit your photo now!

Be part of this year’s European Researchers' Night and see your work displayed alongside exciting activities and groundbreaking research. Together, we can celebrate the transformative power of science!

Photo credits: Inner Light by Claudia Ruiz

Have a question? We’re here to help!

If you have any doubts about the Photo Contest 2025, feel free to reach out using this form. Whether it's about participation, rules, deadlines, or submissions—we’re happy to assist!

Fill in your details and message below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Let’s make this contest unforgettable!

The Photo Contest 2025 Team