Science Without Borders Challenge 2027

Applications are open for the Science Without Borders Challenge 2027, an international student art competition organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. The annual challenge encourages young people to explore important ocean science and conservation issues through creative artwork while raising awareness about the importance of protecting the world’s oceans and aquatic resources.

The 2027 competition is open to students from around the world between the ages of 11 and 19 who are enrolled in primary or secondary school, including the equivalent of homeschooling. College and university students are not eligible to participate.

The theme for the 2027 competition is “Navigate with Care.” Students are invited to create original artwork that explores how safe and responsible navigation can help protect people, marine life, and ocean environments. The theme is supported by the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation, which is sponsoring the 2027 challenge.

About the Challenge

The Science Without Borders Challenge is an annual international art contest that uses art as a way to engage students with marine science and conservation. Each year, participants are given a specific ocean related theme and asked to communicate an important environmental message through original artwork.

The competition is organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, an organization focused on ocean conservation and education. Through the challenge, students are encouraged to learn about marine environments while developing their creativity and ability to communicate scientific and environmental ideas visually.

The 2027 theme, “Navigate with Care,” focuses on responsible navigation and its relationship with the protection of people and marine ecosystems. Students can use their artwork to explore how navigation activities interact with the ocean and why careful, responsible practices are important for marine life and human safety.

Challenge Benefits

Participants in the Science Without Borders Challenge can benefit from:

• Free participation in an international art competition.

• The opportunity to learn about ocean science and conservation.

• The opportunity to explore the 2027 theme, “Navigate with Care.”

• Scholarships of up to US$500 for winning entries.

• A US$500 scholarship for the first place winner.

• A US$350 scholarship for the second place winner.

• A US$200 scholarship for the third place winner.

• People’s Choice Awards of US$50 for winners in each age group.

• International exposure for selected artwork.

• An opportunity to communicate an important ocean conservation message through art.

• Opportunities for students to develop creativity and environmental awareness.

• Participation in an international educational initiative focused on protecting marine environments.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Science Without Borders Challenge 2027, applicants must:

• Be between 11 and 19 years old.

• Be enrolled in primary or secondary school.

• Be enrolled in the equivalent of a primary or secondary home schooling programme where applicable.

• Be able to create and submit original artwork based on the 2027 theme.

• Have a teacher sponsor their artwork.

• Provide the required parent or guardian information.

• Provide the required teacher information.

• Follow all official contest rules and artwork requirements.

• Submit artwork that has not previously been entered in another art competition or an earlier Science Without Borders Challenge.

Required Artwork and Application Information

Participants should prepare:

• Original artwork responding to the theme “Navigate with Care.”

• A description of the artwork explaining its connection to the competition theme.

• Teacher sponsor information.

• Parent or guardian contact information where required.

• Student information including age and country.

• Any required consent documentation.

Selection Criteria

Entries are evaluated according to the official contest requirements and their relationship to the competition theme.

Students should ensure that their artwork:

• Clearly relates to the theme “Navigate with Care.”

• Demonstrates creativity and originality.

• Communicates an understandable ocean conservation or navigation message.

• Uses original artwork created specifically for the competition.

• Meets the official technical and submission requirements.

• Does not contain inappropriate or explicit material.

• Does not copy or reproduce another person’s work.

Artwork that is unrelated to the theme, plagiarized, or otherwise fails to comply with the official contest rules may be disqualified.

How to Apply

To participate in the Science Without Borders Challenge 2027:

1. Review the official Science Without Borders Challenge rules and confirm that you meet the age and school enrollment requirements.
2. Study the 2027 theme, “Navigate with Care,” and learn about responsible navigation and its importance to ocean and marine life protection.
3. Develop an original concept that communicates a clear message connected to the theme.
4. Create an original two dimensional artwork using an accepted traditional medium.
5. Prepare a short description explaining your artwork and how it relates to the 2027 theme.
6. Arrange for an eligible teacher to sponsor your artwork.
7. Complete the online submission form with the required student, teacher, and parent or guardian information.
8. Upload your artwork and provide the required description and supporting information.
9. Review the submission carefully and confirm that the artwork complies with all contest rules.
10. Submit your completed entry before March 1, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.