Art In Science
2026
A scientific visualization and communication competition
Science you can
see
Turn your research, data or scientific idea into a visual story that a broad audience can understand.
September – December 2026
Science communication
Data art
Concept art
Research made visible
01 · About the competition
Show the thinking behind your
research
Art in Science 2026 helps researchers communicate complex ideas through visual work. The competition supports science communication, public engagement with research and collaboration across disciplines.
Keep the science accurate and make it accessible.
02 · Who can enter
The NU community aged
18–40
01
Early-career scientists
02
Researchers
03
Faculty members
04
Doctoral students
05
Postdoctoral researchers
06
Staff of NU-affiliated organizations
Enter individually or as a team of 2–5 people. You may enter individually and/or as a member of one team.
03 · Choose a track
Two ways to show science
01
Data art · Data as art
Real data
Structures, simulations, experimental results, macro photographs and other materials produced through research.
02
Concept art · Scientific ideas and future visions
Ideas and hypotheses
Visualize a scientific idea, hypothesis, emerging field or long-term research vision.
The same research may inspire entries in both tracks if each work stands on its own. In Concept Art, hypotheses must not be presented as proven results.
04 · Work formats
Choose a format
Static image
JPG, JPEG, PNG, WEBP or GIF · up to 40 MB
Physical object / sculpture
Photograph or image in JPG, JPEG or PNG
Animation or video
Link and preview image
Interactive / multimedia work
Link, preview and instructions if needed
Include with your work:
title · authors’ names · school / unit / laboratory / centre · brief description · chosen track
05 · Artificial intelligence
You can use it
Keep the science true
- You may generate, process and edit visual materials.
- You must not fabricate or distort scientific data.
AI is an option, not a requirement.
06 · Evaluation criteria
What the jury will assess
40%
Accessibility and science communication value
Clear scientific content that engages a broad audience.
30%
Innovation and originality
Novelty of the idea, originality of the approach and appropriate use of technology.
20%
Coherence and quality of execution
Clarity, visual impact, completeness and quality of execution.
10%
Potential for further use
Potential to use the work in educational, exhibition and digital formats.
Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 and weighted as shown.
07 · Your journey
From registration to the finale
01
September
Competition announcement and registration
02
September–October
Kick-off seminar, workshops and Q&A sessions
03
October – November
Final submissions
04
October – November
Eligibility and technical screening
05
November
Presentation and evaluation of entries
06
November – December
Online exhibition and awards ceremony
Exact dates and form links will be published through NU Impact Foundation and Nazarbayev University channels.
08 · Support for participants
You do not have to work alone
Kick-off Seminar
Hands-on workshops
Expert and mentoring sessions
Submission Q&A
These events can help you prepare, but attendance does not affect your score.
09 · Awards and prizes
Three awards
₸500,000 each
01
Best Scientific Visualization
For Data Art entries
500 000 ₸
02
Best Strategic Vision
For Concept Art entries
500 000 ₸
03
Best Cross-Disciplinary Project
For teams spanning different research fields
500 000 ₸
One winner is selected in each category. A work can win only one award.
After screening · Online exhibition
The finalist works will be seen
Selected works will be exhibited online and featured on competition channels. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony.
The exhibition opens after finalists are selected
10 · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an artist?
No. Scientific accuracy, a clear idea and effective visual communication matter most.
Can I enter as a team?
Yes. You can enter individually or as a team of 2–5. Every team member must meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I enter both tracks?
Yes. You may submit one distinct work per track. Each work requires a separate final submission.
Can I use AI?
Yes, if you disclose the tool and how you used it. You must not fabricate or distort scientific data.
Are workshops mandatory?
No. They can help you develop your work, but attendance is not part of the evaluation.
Who owns the copyright?
Participants retain copyright. The Foundation may use the work for noncommercial science outreach and competition communications for two years.
Programme and final submission
Join a session. Submit your
finished work
01 · Registration
The kick-off seminar has taken place
The kick-off seminar was held on 18 September. View the upcoming programme and find out how to submit your work.
02 · Final submission
Submit your finished work
Submit your finished work by 19 October 2026 at 13:00. Use a separate form for each track you enter.
© 2026. NU Impact Foundation Nazarbayev University