11/10/2026
By Kristin Bourgault

The 2026 Core Research Facilities (CRF) Art in Science Image Competition is here! This event celebrates the fusion of art and science, showcasing the most striking electron microscopy images captured by our research community.

Rules and eligibility

  • Open to UMass Lowell CRF members only
  • Only electron microscopy images will be considered
  • Reasonable image processing for artistic purposes is allowed

Prizes

Winning images will be featured in CRF promotional materials, displayed in our labs and showcased on our website. Plus, you could win the following prizes, sponsored by JEOL. 

  • First place: $200
  • Second place: $150
  • Third place: $100
  • Fourth place: $50

Submission deadline: Nov. 24, 2026, at midnight

How to enter

Submit your images through the Art in Science Image Competition form.

Judging criteria

  • Artistic merit: Composition, symmetry and visual impact
  • Technical excellence: Clarity, focus, depth of field and resolution
  • Scientific context: A compelling caption explaining the image’s significance

Meet our judges

Our judging panel includes representatives from across UMass Lowell’s research and academic community:

  • Dhimiter Bello — Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences at UMass Lowell
  • Paul Bryce — Kennedy College of Sciences at UMass Lowell
  • Sarah McAdams Corbett — Marketing and Communication at UMass Lowell
  • Kim Holloway — Research and Innovation Acceleration at UMass Lowell
  • Anne Maglia — Research and Economic Development at UMass Lowell
  • Amy Peterson — Francis College of Engineering at UMass Lowell
  • Misha Rabinovich — College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) at UMass Lowell
  • Jason Sidman — Core Research Facilities

Let’s celebrate the hidden artistry in science! Submit your images and share your discoveries with the world.

Questions

For questions, contact:

We can’t wait to see your entries!