UCD Research has launched a new visual imagery competition to celebrate the wide range of research activities taking place across the university.
‘Images of Research’ is a competition for UCD staff to highlight their research using visual imagery. Researchers in UCD are encouraged to get involved in the competition, which is now open. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
Entrants can submit one image which can take any form, including a photograph, a drawing, a digital creation or an image from research directly. The image must be related to the entrant’s research and could ideally highlight why research happening at UCD matters and the difference it is making to society.
Why Enter?
- Be part of the Images of Research exhibition and have your image featured in the UCD calendar.
- Connect with a broader audience by showcasing your research.
- Celebrate your achievements and have your research recognised at the prize giving ceremony.
Who is eligible?
Images of Research is a multidisciplinary competition. Applications must be submitted by a member of UCD academic or research staff. Doctoral students looking to participate should provide the name of their supervisor (who must be a UCD staff member).
There is a limit of one entry per person. Images must be generated as a result of research being carried out at UCD.
How to enter?
Submit your image along with a short title (10 words maximum) and a brief story (150 words maximum) to describe your research in an engaging way. The story behind each image and the reasons for its creation are as important as the image itself.
Entries are submitted via our online form which can only be accessed from UCD google accounts.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Please read all Terms and Conditions before submitting your entry.
How are the images judged?
Submissions will be judged against the following criteria:
- Originality
- Composition (technical and aesthetic)
- Illustrative portrayal of research
Images from similar competitions may serve as inspiration:
- Reach for the stars: astrophotography competition run by DIAS
- SFI image of the year award
- University of Strathclyde images of research competition
What are the prizes?
- A €500 research grant for the winner
- A €250 research grant for each finalist
Finalists will be invited to the impact awards ceremony at UCD Research which will take place in early 2026.
Research grants are provided to UCD staff. Research students will have to nominate their supervisors to receive the grant.
Queries about the competition can be sent to Daniel.Rowan@ucd.ie