This winter, FEBS invites its community to celebrate science through the imagination of its youngest members.
Scientific curiosity often begins with a simple question, a surprising discovery or a new way of looking at the world. And who better to remind us of the power of imagination than children?
With the launch of the FEBS Children’s Science Art Competition, we invite families across the FEBS community to share their children’s creativity and inspire the next generation of curious minds.
Under the theme “Science in a Winter Celebration”, children aged 4–15 are encouraged to imagine what happens when science meets the magic of winter. Could a snowflake reveal a microscopic universe? Might cells gather for a festive celebration? Or could an entirely new scientific world emerge from a child’s imagination?
There are no limits to creativity, only the invitation to explore, imagine and bring science to life through art.
A celebration for the whole FEBS community
Science is also about the people who share it, and the communities that nurture curiosity across generations. Through this competition, FEBS hopes to bring together scientists, colleagues and their families in a celebration that connects scientific discovery with childhood imagination.
Whether a child dreams of becoming a scientist or simply loves drawing, this is an opportunity to explore science in a playful and creative way, and to become part of a shared FEBS celebration.
The competition is open to children aged 4–15 with a qualifying close family connection to the FEBS community, anywhere in the world.
Three age categories, three microscope prizes
Children can participate in one of three categories:
- Little Explorers: 4–6 years
- Young Discoverers: 7–10 years
- Future Scientists: 11–15 years
Ages are assessed on 18 November 2026.
One winner in each category will receive a microscope, encouraging them to continue exploring the fascinating world of science.
And there is something particularly special about this celebration: one of the three winning artworks will be chosen as the official FEBS 2026 festive greeting, sharing a young artist’s vision of science with the wider FEBS community.
How to take part
Children are invited to create an original drawing or painting using pencils, paints or other physical art materials.
Entries will be judged on creativity, their connection to science and their interpretation of the non-religious winter theme, with consideration given to each child’s age. Digital drawings and artwork generated or modified using AI will not be accepted.
A parent or legal guardian must submit the artwork through the online entry form. Each child may enter once, uploading a scan or clear photograph in JPG, PNG or PDF format (maximum 15 MB).
Eligible family connections may include a parent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, grandparent or another close family member with qualifying FEBS involvement. There are no geographical restrictions. Full eligibility details, including qualifying FEBS connections, are available in the competition guidelines. Following FEBS on social media alone does not qualify.
Key dates
Entries open: 15 October 2026
Submission deadline: 18 November 2026, 23:59 CET
Winners contacted: Towards the end of November 2026
Before submitting, please read the competition guidelines and privacy notice on the competition page.
Let their imagination lead the way!
We encourage everyone across the FEBS community to share this opportunity with their families and colleagues. Together, we can celebrate the joy of discovery, encourage young creativity and perhaps spark a lifelong interest in science.
Explore the competition and submit an entry
For questions, please contact [email protected].
