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We’re excited to launch the NHLI Image Competition, celebrating the beauty, mystery, and creativity found in scientific discovery. Whether you’re capturing the microscopic, the clinical or the natural, we want to see science through your lens.

Students, researchers, and staff at NHLI are all invited to submit their most captivating images. Winning entries will be framed and showcased in our buildings and featured across our digital platforms.

Submission Deadline: 8 June 2026

Categories

• Seeing the unseen - Abstract biology or hard to see science.
• Behind the Scenes - Daily Work at NHLI, highlighting the people, spaces, and processes that support NHLI’s work.
• Why it matters - Capture the purpose or impact of NHLI research on the community.

Prizes

Winning images will be framed and hung in NHLI buildings and used in NHLI communications and website (with appropriate credit). Winners and runner up for each category, plus a People’s Choice award, will be invited to a reception.

How to Enter

or scan the QR code below and upload the best quality image possible.

Eligibility

Current members of NHLI (staff, currently registered ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, current honorary or emeritus members eligible).

Important dates
Competition opens: 5 May 2026
Competition closes: 8 June 2026
Awards announced and reception: Autumn 2026, date TBC

Rules

1. No identifiable individuals should be featured, unless you can upload, at the time of submission, appropriate consent for the photo and for publication. Images requiring appropriate consent and without evidence of this will be deemed ineligible. Consult the college guidelines before filling out the .
2. Maximum of 3 submissions per person (can be in a single or multiple categories).
3. Images must be at least 1024 x 1024 pixels minimum, for ~A3 printing. All images must be submitted as high-resolution files suitable for printing as winning images will be reproduced, including in print format.
4. You will need to agree to grant NHLI/ICL license to use, print, and display your photo in facilities but you will retain copyright.
5. You must declare image processing at the time of submission.
6. Photos can be taken at any time but must relate to research or activities carried out at or with NHLI.
7. Images that have won any place or recognition previously in any active or ongoing competition are ineligible.
8. The following photographic disciplines or scientific / medical imaging techniques are allowed:
   1. Photography (e.g. documentary, clinical, studio, still life)
   2. Close-up photography (e.g. photomacrography, macro photography, photomicrography) Microscopy (e.g. light, electron, super-resolution)
   3. Medical imaging (e.g. CT, PET, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, thermography)
   4. New and emerging science and biomedical imaging technologies
9. We will not accept images that are deemed visual media, including, but not limited to, illustration, moving image or AI-generated images. AI image generation tools are not permitted.
10. You must not be part of the judging panel if you wish to submit entries.

How photos will be judged

An independent panel (members TBC) will evaluate the photos in each category. A digital vote will be put to members of NHLI to vote for the People’s Choice awards.

For more information and enquiries, please contact the team at nhlipc@imperial.ac.uk.