Art + Photo contest 2026
Guidelines
Themes
Participants can submit pictures or photos about any topic that is related to proteomics and proteins. The themes below are suggestions of possible types of images that could be submitted, but participants should not limit themselves to these themes:
Protein Structures: Participants could submit photos that showcase the unique and intricate structures of proteins. This could include images of protein crystals, 3D models of proteins, or even artistic renderings of protein structures.
Protein Interactions: Participants could submit photos that depict these interactions, such as images of protein-protein binding or protein-ligand interactions.
Proteomics Techniques: Participants could submit photos that showcase these techniques in action, such as images of mass spectrometry instruments or protein microarray experiments.
Proteomics Applications: Proteomics has a wide range of applications, from drug discovery to biomarker identification. Participants could submit photos that highlight the practical applications of proteomics, such as images of drug discovery labs or clinical trials.
Proteomics in Nature: Proteins play important roles in nature, such as in the formation of cell structures or in the interactions between organisms. Participants could submit photos that showcase the role of proteins in nature, such as images of plant or animal cells.
Proteomics in Art: Proteins are also a source of inspiration for artists. Participants could submit photos of artwork that is inspired by or incorporates protein structures, such as sculptures or paintings.
Entry Requirements
The CNPN Art and Photo contest is open to all Canadians or individuals studying or working at a Canadian institution. Images should have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Participants can submit a maximum of 1 original image that has never been published in or used by any journal for the contest.
Submission Guidelines
Images must be submitted using the form below. Participants must explain briefly (less than 100 words) how they obtained the image and describe its context, as well as provide a short submission title. Submission deadline is April 30th, 2026, at 11:59 PDT.
Judging criteria
A vote among CNPN members will take place online and at CNPN 2026. Members will be asked to vote for the best image based on technical proficiency, creativity, originality, or a combination of these factors.
Prizes
$200 cash prize.
Copyright
Participants must have created the image, own all rights to the image and obtain the consent of any people appearing in the image. By submitting an image to the contest, participants agree that CNPN is not responsible for any copyright infringements that might arise in Canada or elsewhere or for any litigation that might ensue from such infringements. CNPN reserves the right to publish finalist images in any media and in any format to promote the contest, finalists, award-winners, or research or use for any promotional purposes, these include and are not limited to online, social media, printing, reproduction, and at CNPN events. CNPN agrees to acknowledge the images’ creators in all publications and presentations of the image, unless circumstances prevent it.
Ethics and AI
Images submitted should not be manipulated beyond reasonable editing. The submitted picture, photo or artistic product must not be the result of a generative Artificial Intelligence model and must be your own creation. We want to see your talents!