This exciting competition aims to break down boundaries between art, science, and people, inspiring young minds to engage with the remarkable work of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic scientists. Participants will create their own artwork based on the lives and ground-breaking research of seven inspiring scientists from a range of disciplines.
Students can choose one scientist whose work sparks their creativity and translate their research into a special piece of art. This could be a drawing, painting, sculpture, music, dance, poetry, or digital media.
The competition not only provides an opportunity for artistic expression but also highlights diverse voices in the scientific community, encouraging students to see themselves as part of the future of STEM.
Winners and runners-up will receive prize money (up to £100) and recognition at an awards ceremony and exhibition aimed for Spring 2025, with their work also being shared online.
Meet the 2025 researchers
- Zoe Brown (Environmental scientist): Studying how nature-based solutions can help small islands adapt to climate change.
- Nishant Kumar (Urban ecologist): Exploring how wild animals like street dogs, monkeys, and pigeons adapt to city life.
- Emma McMillian (Computer scientist): Investigating how artificial intelligence can help doctors better understand heart disease.
- Sam O’Sullivan (Theoretical physicist): Using mathematical models of seals’ teeth to study biological evolution and predict future changes.
- Lin Qiu (Respiration neuroscientist): Examining how the brain controls breathing and what happens when it becomes difficult.
- Tanya Singh (Brain scientist): Researching the impact of Parkinson’s Disease on the brain by growing mini-brains in the lab.
- Tianqi Wang (Evolutionary biologist): Studying how species evolve to adapt to their environments, focusing on guppies in Trinidad.
Students, parents, and teachers can access full competition details, FAQs, and entry requirements on the MPLS website. Parental or guardian consent is required for participation.
You can see past artwork from the 2018, 2020 and 2023 competitions online.
Key information
- Open to: Oxfordshire state school students in Years 5 to 8
- Theme: Artwork inspired by the research of a featured scientist
- How to enter: Complete the official Entry Form 2025 with parental/guardian approval
- Submission deadline: 3pm on 4 April 2025.
Beyond Boundaries offers a fantastic opportunity for young artists to engage with science in a creative and meaningful way. The competition celebrates diversity in STEM and encourages students to explore the endless possibilities of research and discovery through their own artistic lens.
Lin Qiu, a DPhil student at the University of Oxford’s Department of Clinical Neurosciences and one of the researchers featured in this year’s competition, shared her enthusiasm: "I am incredibly excited to see how young artists interpret my research on the brain and breathing. Science and art are both about curiosity and creativity, and I can’t wait to see the innovative ways students bring these ideas to life."
Daisy Hung, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at MPLS Division, University of Oxford, added: "Beyond Boundaries is a wonderful initiative that not only showcases the diversity of STEM but also encourages young people to engage with science in an inclusive and creative way. We hope this competition inspires students to see themselves as future scientists and artists."
For more details, visit: https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/beyond-boundaries/