Science in Focus: Micro-Art contest

The deadline to submit is March 29th, 2025, 11:59 pm ET

Eligibility

• To participate, you must be a registered attendee of the 7+1’ International Meeting for Researchers in Materials and Plasma Technology (7+1’ IMRMPT) , Querétaro, México, and be present at the event; delegating another person to present your artwork is not allowed.
• Submissions can be created either by individuals or teams.
• Participation is open to everyone, including students and researchers.
• AI Usage: the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create or modify images is strictly prohibited; this contest values original works crafted by individuals or teams, not AI-generated content.

Competition Rules

• Images can be acquired through various material imaging techniques, including SEM, TEM, and optical microscopy; the competition prioritizes aesthetic qualities over scientific attributes of the image. However, the images must have some relevance to materials science.
• Submissions are restricted to two images per participant (individual or team); any contestant or team that submits multiple entries will be disqualified.
• All forms of Black & White (B&W) or colorized microscopy images are permitted.
• Submissions entries and image information must be in English; a short title (maximum 10 words) related to the image is required, along with a brief description that contextualizes the connection between materials science and the artistry depicted in the image ( not exceeding 200 words ). The description must cover the physical or chemical identification of the imaged object. Maximum size of the file: 10 MB.
• Files extensions accepted: jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff.
• An Art exhibition on-site will show the finalist submitted artwork, previously selected by the appointed committee; the top three artwork, selected by the committee will be awarded and announced during the event.
• First, second and third places artwork will be awarded; each entry is eligible for only one prize and each participant (individually or team) is eligible for only one prize. A certificate will be granted to the winners, and all contestants will be given a science communication certificate.
• The submitting individual should also fill out and sign the image permission file and submit it with each entry.
• All images are to be submitted online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qIRcVgF82JuujKUVsdEysegZEBMLzCL4nQFLdf03Z6U/preview before 11:59 pm (ET) on March 29th, 2025. Please include the submitter's last name and surname in the title of the file.
  Example: Gonzalez_Fernando.jpg

Additional Information

• The 7+1’ IMRMPT and FORISTOM disclaim any responsibility for claims or complaints from third parties regarding the publication or exhibition of submitted visualizations.
• Disqualification: Any entrant or submission found violating the contest rules will be immediately disqualified.
• Copyright Compliance: The use of copyrighted images in submissions is strictly prohibited; all entries must be original creations.
• No Commercial Content: Submissions must not advertise or promote any commercial products.
• Exhibition and Social Media Sharing: All submitted artwork will be showcased on the official social media platforms of 7+1’ IMRMPT and FORISTOM, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook; the general public will have the opportunity to view and engage with the submissions by liking their favorite artwork.

Suggestions

To increase your chances of recognition, consider the following guidelines:

• Image Quality: Ensure the image is of high quality and resolution; avoid submitting pixelated or low-resolution images, as these may detract from the overall impact.
• Image Modification: Minimize external additions such as images of people, dolls, or animations of animals. Instead, focus on enhancing the image’s natural features by colorizing specific areas to highlight its artistic essence; subtle modifications (e.g., minor pixel adjustments) are acceptable, but they should complement rather than dominate the image.
• Image Title: Craft a creative and engaging title that reflects the artistic perspective of the piece, rather than its technical aspects; this competition celebrates the fusion of science and art, so avoid overly technical or scientific terms in your title.
• Image Descriptions: Both technical and artistic descriptions are required, each serving a distinct purpose.
• Technical Description: Clearly explain the tools and methods used to prepare the material, as well as its potential applications; focus on answering “what,” “how,” and “why” to provide context for your work.
• Artistic Description: Share the artistic perspective of your image; describe the visual narrative, what makes it compelling, and how it bridges science and art. (Example: Nanoparticles of Ni, cross-section area of a steel sample.)

Important Dates

• Submission deadline: March 29 2025, 11:59pm ET
• Winners Announcement: April 9th 2025

Contest Organizers

Please contact with any questions regarding your submission:

• Dra. María Teresa Ayala Ayala (UAQ, maria.teresa.ayala@uaq.mx)
• Dra. Aixa Ibeth Gutiérrez Pérez (TecNM San Juan del Río, aixa.ibeth.gp@sjuanrio.tecnm.mx)
• Dra. Carolina Hernández Navarro (TecNM Roque, carolina.hn@roque.tecnm.mx)