Beyond Boundaries: call for applications, deadline 31 October 2022

The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division of the University of Oxford first launched Beyond Boundaries in 2018. This science-inspired art competition is for Oxfordshire state school students in Years 5, 6, 7, and 8 to create art inspired by research from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic scientists. 

The participating researchers and academics will be profiled on the Oxford Sparks webpage, where we will host short and engaging descriptions of their career paths and research – along with photos and informal videos where possible. We will also encourage and support researchers to participate in outreach work within participating schools and community groups.

For the competition, school students will be asked to select one of the role models and create an artistic representation of that person’s research (for example, painting, sculpture, digital art, etc.), along with a short statement explaining their creation. Winners and runners-up will receive prize money and recognition at an awards ceremony and exhibition at the Natural History Museum in Oxford in June 2023; and their work will be shared online through the webpage and social media. See past artwork from the 2018 competition and 2020 competition.

 We are seeking applications from academics and researchers within MPLS, who:

• Self-identify as Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic;
• Conduct exciting research of interest to primary and secondary school students, particularly research which has a positive societal impact;
• Have intriguing and relatable life and/or career stories – for example, individuals who have overcome challenging life/work circumstances, have been the first in their family to pursue a STEM career, took an unconventional path to STEM, etc.

We are particularly looking for individuals who are interested in doing some outreach work with participating schools (although this is not a requirement), and will support you as best we can throughout your interactions.

Deadline for applications is Monday 31 October 2022.

Click here for full details and to apply