Enter the Faces of Biology Photo Contest for a chance to win $250 and to have your photo appear on the cover of the journal BioScience.
The competition showcases, in a personal way, biological research in its many forms and settings. The images help the public and policymakers better understand the value of biological research and education. The competition is sponsored by the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in addition to the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS).
Biology is often hidden away in labs or remote field sites, but photography brings these invisible moments to light. This contest serves as a bridge between the analytical and the aesthetic, inviting researchers to transform their data into a visual narrative. By showcasing the human side of the laboratory and the intricate details of the natural world, we don’t just share results — we invite the world to witness the wonder of discovery first hand. — Scott Glisson, AIBS Chief Executive Officer
The theme of the contest is “Faces of Biology.” Photographs entered into the competition must depict a person, such as a scientist, technician, or student, engaging in biological research. The depicted research may occur outside, in a lab, with a natural history collection, on a computer, in a classroom, or elsewhere.
The First Place Winner will have their winning photo featured on the cover of BioScience, and will receive $250 and a one year subscription to BioScience. The Second and Third Place Winners will have their winning photo printed inside the journal, and will receive a one year subscription to BioScience.
The winning photo from the 2025 contest, seen here, will feature on the cover of the April 2026 issue of BioScience.
Submissions must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2026.