About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Showcase Your Creativity and Help Protect the Ocean
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is excited to announce the 15th Annual Science Without Borders® Challenge.
This international art competition invites young people from around the world to use their creativity and artistic talents to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.
🌊 2027 Theme: “Navigate with Care”
The theme for the 2027 Science Without Borders® Challenge is:
“Navigate with Care”
People depend on the ocean in many ways—for transportation, recreation, commerce, and livelihoods. However, the decisions people make while navigating on the water can also have significant effects on marine life and fragile ocean ecosystems.
Safe and responsible navigation can help prevent:
Vessel strikes involving marine animals
Groundings
Damage caused by anchors
Pollution
Other harmful impacts on marine ecosystems
Responsible navigation not only protects marine life and fragile habitats but also promotes the safety of people on the water.
🎨 What Should Your Artwork Show?
Participants are required to create and submit original artwork demonstrating how people can navigate with care to protect both human life and marine ecosystems.
Your artwork may explore how responsible decisions on the water can:
Protect marine life
Conserve fragile ocean ecosystems
Promote safety at sea
Prevent pollution and environmental damage
Encourage peaceful coexistence between people and nature
Safeguard the ocean for future generations
Students are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity to communicate a powerful message about responsible ocean navigation and conservation.
👥 Who Can Apply?
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is open to students from around the world who:
Are between 11 and 19 years old
Are enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the equivalent level in a home-school programme
Important:
College and university students are not eligible to participate.
🏆 Competition Categories
Entries will be judged in two age categories:
Category 1
Students aged 11–14 years
Category 2
Students aged 15–19 years
First, second, and third-place winners will be selected in each age category.
💰 Scholarship Prizes
Winners of the Science Without Borders® Challenge will receive scholarships as follows:
🥇 1st Place: US$500
🥈 2nd Place: US$350
🥉 3rd Place: US$200
🌟 People's Choice Award
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation will also offer a People's Choice Award.
A US$50 scholarship will be awarded to the People's Choice winner in each age category.
📸 New Requirement for 2027
New for 2027, every participant must submit:
Two progress photographs showing the creation of their artwork
One high-quality image of the completed artwork
The progress photographs are required solely to help verify the originality of the submitted artwork.
They will not be:
Judged
Published
Displayed
Exhibited
Used for promotional purposes
Only the final completed artwork will be evaluated by the judges.
🌍 About the Science Without Borders® Challenge
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international competition designed to engage students and teachers in ocean conservation through art.
Each year, the competition encourages young people to combine creativity, science, and ocean education while increasing awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring the world's oceans.
Through artistic expression, students have an opportunity to share powerful ideas and inspire others to take greater responsibility for the health and future of our planet's marine environments.
📅 Important Dates
Submission Deadline
1 March 2027
Results Announcement
Expected in Spring 2027
💰 Entry Fee
No Entry Fee!
Participation in the Science Without Borders® Challenge 2027 is completely free.
🌊 Why You Should Participate
If you are a young artist passionate about creativity, environmental conservation, marine life, or ocean protection, this competition provides an excellent opportunity to use your artistic talent to make a meaningful impact.
Your artwork can help raise awareness about the importance of responsible navigation and inspire people to make choices that protect both human life and the incredible ecosystems found beneath and around our oceans.
📌 Submit Your Artwork
Use your creativity to tell a powerful story about protecting the ocean and navigating responsibly.
Theme: “Navigate with Care”
Deadline: 1 March 2027
Entry Fee: FREE
For complete eligibility requirements, artwork specifications, submission instructions, and official competition guidelines, please visit the official Science Without Borders® Challenge website.
How to apply