Art of Research
The Art of Research competition celebrates the extraordinary research of University at Buffalo graduate students and postdoctoral scholars through a showcase of original images highlighting the inherent beauty in research, scholarship and creative activity. The Art of Research competition seeks to provide a stage for researchers from all disciplines to make their research accessible to broad public audiences.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled University at Buffalo graduate students.
- Currently appointed University at Buffalo postdoctoral scholars.
- Finalists from previous years may not resubmit the same image. However, they are welcome to enter again with a new image submission.
Submissions Guidelines
- Each researcher (or research team if a group submission) may enter one submission to one of the seven categories.
- This competition is just for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. It is not necessary to include your advisor in your submission.
- Submission must include one static image accompanied by a title/caption and a short description in non-technical language.
- The title/caption of your work should be a one-line caption that tantalizes the audience, inspiring them to learn more about your research, and communicates the science in clear, concise language that is accessible to a non-specialist audience. The Center for Excellence in Writing (CEW) is available to offer writing support for your submission title and short description.
- Images must be the result of research affiliated with the University at Buffalo.
- Images must be original images created by the submitter(s).
- Participants agree that submissions may be used for campus promotional and publicity purposes.
Categories
You must select one of the seven categories below when submitting your image. Your submission will be judged amongst other submissions within the category you choose. If your image is AI-generated, you will automatically be entered into the AI Research Unveiled category.
Precision and Detail
Focuses on the intricate details and precision involved in research. This could include close-ups of lab equipment, detailed observations under a microscope, or the meticulous arrangement of data. Images should reveal more than what is possible to perceive with the human eye.
Innovation and Technology
Showcases cutting-edge technology or innovative tools used in research. Think of futuristic lab equipment, advanced software interfaces, or novel experimental setups and the data collected as a result.
Field Work and Exploration
Depicts research conducted outside the traditional lab environment. This might include field experiments, environmental research or explorations in natural settings.
Data Visualization
Focuses on the artistic representation of data. This could be creative visualizations that transform complex data into understandable and aesthetically pleasing formats.
Cultural Insights and Interpretations
Highlights research that explores cultural, historical or philosophical insights. This category can include images of archival materials, artistic interpretations, historical artifacts or creative representations of cultural research. It showcases how research in these fields uncovers and communicates the richness of human experience and thought.
AI Research Unveiled
Captures the essence of research specifically within the field of artificial intelligence. This could include images of AI models in development, visualizations of neural network architectures or researchers working on AI algorithms. It highlights the exploration, innovation and challenges faced in advancing AI technologies.
Collaboration, Teamwork and Community Impact
Highlights the collaborative nature of research and/or the people behind the research. This might include images of researchers working together, brainstorming sessions or teamwork in action. This may also include images of research performed with community partners to benefit those communities.
Image Requirements
- Submissions may be photographs, illustrations, visualizations, renderings and may include anything produced in the course of performing research. Examples include microscope photographs, telescope photographs, still images from video cameras, IR cameras, high-speed cameras, simulation results, 3-D renderings, data plots and mathematical visualizations, observations of natural phenomena, etc.
- Photographs and sketches of physical objects related to science and scientific process are eligible. We solicit original images made during the scientific process, not images inspired by science.
- Research posters should not be submitted.
- All entries, once submitted, are final and cannot be edited. Contest coordinators reserve the option to remove submissions deemed inappropriate.
What if I have an image from a scientific instrument that is low resolution?
Submit it! If it makes it to the exhibition, we will print it out in a suitable size based upon the resolution and display it along with the rest of the images.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at previous Art of Research winning submissions.
Awards
Entries will be judged on their creativity, aesthetic appeal, how well their image demonstrates or reflects their research, their caption, and the overall artistic and visual impact.
- Category Winner (7 total): $500 each
- People's Choice: $500 (Determined by an attendee vote during the live event at the Buffalo Museum of Science).
Finalists will be notified at least two weeks before the live event on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Buffalo Museum of Science. All finalists will display their work during this event and are required to attend. The winning entries will be announced during the event. All contest entrants are encouraged to attend.
Contact Us
Questions, comments or advice? Please contact us at grad@buffalo.edu.
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