Following the success of "Beyond My Borders", the CENL photography contest returns in 2025 with a new perspective: "Me and My Science".
The beauty of science isn’t always found in numbers or models, but also in what we see, discover, and capture. With that spirit in mind, the 2024 scientific photography contest “Beyond My Borders” showed that knowledge can also inspire artistic and photographic wonder.
We sincerely thank everyone who took part, sharing their unique view of science through the lens.
Here are the winning images from the 2024 edition:
First Prize
“Sea of Memories”
Author: Cristina Boers Escuder
This image shows the axon initial segments (AIS) in the hippocampus, a brain region where memories are stored. Neurons communicate via electrical signals generated at the AIS. Our research explores how the AIS adapts when the environment changes, adjusting its length to maintain neuronal balance and preserve the connections that sustain memory.
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Secondary prizes
“A Small Celestial Light That Unites Borders”
Author: Benito Marcote
From the remote forests of Drenthe, a radio telescope observes the sky. While our eyes see a vast spread of stars and the Moon, the radio telescope sees a different sky—filled only with the light of distant galaxies. Ironically, the sky above our heads looks exactly the same in the Netherlands as it does in Spain.
“Submerged Landscapes: Invisible Networks of the Ocean”
Author: Raquel Ledo Doval
A microscopic network connects bacteria (blue), marine fungal mycelium (yellow), and the alga Saccharina latissima (red). This interaction reveals a crucial alliance for the balance of marine ecosystems, where each organism plays a key role in weaving an invisible and largely unexplored web that sustains ocean life.
Jury
The 2024 jury: Ana Barragán, Arturo Soro, Aitor Tejo, and Elena García, carefully selected the winning images based on originality, technique, and scientific outreach value.
A big thank you to them as well!
2025 Theme: Me and My Science
This edition seeks images that reflect your personal connection to science—from the microscopic to the human, from the technical to the everyday. We want to see what your research means to you and how it connects with the world..
Contest Information
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Photographs must relate to any research field: STEM, health sciences, social sciences, art, or communication.
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Images generated by Artificial Intelligence or Large Language Models will not be accepted.
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Each submission must be accompanied by a short description explaining the scientific and outreach context.
Participation is open to all CENL members.
Three winners will be selected:
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1st Prize: €300
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2nd Prize (x2): €100 each
Images will be evaluated based on originality, technique, and outreach value.
Submit your photo here: [link to participation form]
Full contest rules: [link to rules and regulations]
Deadline: December 31, 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
Winners announced: Q1 2026
There is also a parallel science blog writing contest. All science communication articles published on the website during 2025 will be automatically entered. We encourage you to share your science!
If you have any questions or want to stay updated on the contest, follow us at @cenl_ig, @CENL_SWNL or contact us at photo.contest@cenetherlands.nl.
We thank everyone who participated in 2024 and warmly invite the entire community to join again this year!!
Can you help us grow? Become a member and participate. Spread the word on the networks. Contact us and tell us about yourself and your project.
Alejandro Martín Gónzalez
Docente Quimica Analitica UvA
Biophysicist and science communicator, passionate about making complex scientific ideas accessible. With a PhD in Biophysics and over a decade of experience in analytical chemistry, molecular imaging, and interdisciplinary research,. Now, working at the University of Amsterdam while leading science outreach at CENL. As the main editor of the CENL blog, curates and contributes content that connects researchers with wider audiences, showcasing diverse voices across the Dutch scientific landscape. He is also an improviser and theatre performer, bringing creativity and clarity to every story he helps tell.