The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is excited to announce that the 2027 Science Without Borders Challenge is now open. This year’s theme is “Navigate with Care.”

Students are invited to create artwork showing how safe and responsible navigation can protect marine life, conserve fragile ocean ecosystems, promote safety at sea, and help people and nature coexist. Through their art, students should demonstrate how the decisions people make on the water can help safeguard our ocean for future generations.

Learn about the theme.

The Science Without Borders Challenge is open to students worldwide who are 11–19 years old and enrolled in primary or secondary school (or the homeschool equivalent). College and university students are not eligible for the contest. Entries will be judged in two age categories, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded in each:

• Students ages 11–14
• Students ages 15–19

Students can win scholarships of up to $500 in this international art contest.

New for 2027: Artwork Submission Requirements

Each participant must submit:

• Two progress photos documenting the creation of their artwork
• One high-quality image of the completed artwork

The first progress photo must show the student with their artwork during the early stages of creation, such as the sketch or outline. The second must show the student with their artwork later in the creative process, before it is finished. The student’s face and artwork must be clearly visible in both photos.

Progress photos will be used only to verify the originality of the submission and will not be published, displayed, exhibited, or used for promotional purposes. Only the final artwork will be judged.

Because the progress photos must be taken while the artwork is being created, students should review the new submission requirements before beginning their artwork.

All entries must be submitted by Monday, March 1, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

To learn more about the Science Without Borders Challenge rules and how to apply, visit lof.org/SWBChallenge.

We look forward to receiving your students’ entries.