Science in Focus: Micro-Art contest 

The deadline to submit is March 29th, 2025, 11:59 pm ET 

ELIGIBILITY  

- To participate, you must be a registered attendee of the 7+1 International Meeting for Researchers in Materials and Plasma Technology (IMRMPT) – Querétaro and be present at the event. Delegating another person to present your artwork is not allowed. 

- Submissions can be created either by individuals or teams. 

- Participation is open to everyone, including students and researchers. 

- AI Usage: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create or modify images is strictly prohibited. This contest values original works crafted by individuals or teams, not AI-generated content. 

COMPETITION RULES  

- Images can be acquired through various material imaging techniques, including SEM, TEM, and optical microscopy. The competition prioritizes aesthetic qualities over scientific attributes of the image. However, the images must have some relevance to materials science.    

- Submissions are restricted to two images per participant (individual or team). Any contestant or team that submits multiple entries will be disqualified. 

- All forms of Black & White (B&W) or colorized microscopy images are permitted. 

- Submissions entries and image information must be in English. A short title (maximum 10 words) related to the image is required, along with a brief description that contextualizes the connection between materials science and the artistry depicted in the image (not exceeding 200 words). The description must cover the physical or chemical identification of the imaged object. 

- Maximum size of the file: 10 MB.      

- Files extensions accepted: jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff.      

- An Art exhibition on-site will show the finalist submitted artwork, previously selected by the appointed committee. The top three artwork, selected by the committee will be awarded and announced during the event.        

- First, second and third places artwork will be awarded. Each entry is eligible for only one prize and each participant (individually or team) is eligible for only one prize. A certificate will be granted to the winners, and all contestants will be given a science communication certificate.        

- The submitting individual should also fill out and sign the image permission file and submit it with each entry.      

- All images are to be submitted online at: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qIRcVgF82JuujKUVsdEysegZEBMLzCL4nQFLdf03Z6U/preview  

before 11:59 pm (ET) on March 29th, 2025. Please include the submitter's last name and surname in the title of the file. Example: Gonzalez_Fernando.jpg 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     

- The 7+1 IMRMPT and Foristom disclaim any responsibility for claims or complaints from third parties regarding the publication or exhibition of submitted visualizations.        

- Disqualification: Any entrant or submission found violating the contest rules will be immediately disqualified.       

- Copyright Compliance: The use of copyrighted images in submissions is strictly prohibited. All entries must be original creations.       

- No Commercial Content: Submissions must not advertise or promote any commercial products.        

- Exhibition and Social Media Sharing: All submitted artwork will be showcased on the official social media platforms of 7+1 IMRMPT and Foristom, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. The general public will have the opportunity to view and engage with the submissions by liking their favorite artwork. 

SUGGESTIONS  

To increase your chances of recognition, consider the following guidelines:      

Image Quality: Ensure the image is of high quality and resolution. Avoid submitting pixelated or low-resolution images, as these may detract from the overall impact.  

Image Modification: Minimize external additions such as images of people, dolls, or animations of animals. Instead, focus on enhancing the image’s natural features by colorizing specific areas to highlight its artistic essence. Subtle modifications (e.g., minor pixel adjustments) are acceptable, but they should complement rather than dominate the image.        

Image Title: Craft a creative and engaging title that reflects the artistic perspective of the piece, rather than its technical aspects. This competition celebrates the fusion of science and art, so avoid overly technical or scientific terms in your title.        

Image Descriptions: Both technical and artistic descriptions are required, each serving a distinct purpose:     

Technical Description: Clearly explain the tools and methods used to prepare the material, as well as its potential applications. Focus on answering “what,” “how,” and “why” to provide context for your work.        

Artistic Description: Share the artistic perspective of your image. Describe the visual narrative, what makes it compelling, and how it bridges science and art. (Example: Nanoparticles of Ni, cross-section area of a steel sample.) 

IMPORTANT DATES     

Submission deadline: March 29 2025, 11:59 pm ET        Extended deadline: April 2 2025

Winners Announcement: April 9th 2025 

CONTEST ORGANIZERS 

Please contact with any questions regarding your submission:      

Dra. María Teresa Ayala Ayala (UAQ, maria.teresa.ayala@uaq.mx       

Dra. Aixa Ibeth Gutiérrez Pérez (TecNM San Juan del Río, aixa.ibeth.gp@sjuanrio.tecnm.mx)      

Dra. Carolina Hernández Navarro (TecNM Roque, carolina.hn@roque.tecnm.mx)