FEBS

FEBS Children's Science Art Competition 2026

Competition guidelines

Organizer and theme

The competition is organized by the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS). The theme is science combined with a non-religious winter celebration.

Who can enter

  • Children aged 4 to 15 on 18 November 2026. Categories: Little Explorers (4–6), Young Discoverers (7–10), Future Scientists (11–15).
  • The child must have a close family connection to FEBS: a parent/legal guardian, aunt/uncle, grandparent or other close family member who is a member of a FEBS Constituent Society; a current or former participant in a FEBS Congress or FEBS Advanced Course; a current or former recipient of a FEBS fellowship or grant; a current or former FEBS committee or programme contributor; current or former FEBS staff; or who has other demonstrable involvement with FEBS. Following FEBS on social media alone does not qualify.
  • There is no geographical restriction.
  • Entries can only be submitted by the child's parent or legal guardian.
  • Family members of jury members cannot enter.

Artwork

  • One original physical artwork (drawing or painting) per child. Digital drawings, generative AI and AI-modified artwork are not accepted.
  • Scanning is recommended for the best image quality. A clear, high-resolution photograph is also accepted, provided the complete drawing is visible.
  • Accepted files: JPG/JPEG, PNG or PDF, maximum 15 MB.
  • An optional explanation in English (up to 300 characters) may be added. It is not considered in judging.
  • Please submit the artwork only. Do not include a photograph of your child, an address, contact details or identifying labels (such as a surname or school name) on or around the drawing.

Prizes

  • Little Explorers (4–6): a digital microscope.
  • Young Discoverers (7–10): a Buki MS907B microscope.
  • Future Scientists (11–15): a Bresser Junior microscope.

There is one winner per category (three prizes in total). One of the three winning artworks will be chosen for the FEBS official 2026 festive greeting. Prize delivery is coordinated after winners are contacted; arrival before Christmas cannot be guaranteed.

Jury and judging

  • Xavier Coumoul, Chair of the FEBS Integration and Networking Committee
  • Jerka Dumić, FEBS Treasurer Elect
  • Rasa Žūkienė, Chair of the FEBS Science and Society Committee
  • Teresa Sarria, FEBS Communications Manager

The jury sees only each artwork with its entry number and age category, not the names or contact details of the child or family.

Artworks are judged on creativity, connection to science and interpretation of the winter theme, appropriate to the child's age. The optional explanation is not scored.

The jury will decide by majority. In the event of a tie, the jury will discuss the entries and vote again.

Timeline

  • Entries open 15 October 2026; deadline 18 November 2026, 23:59 CET.
  • Jury review: 19–24 November 2026.
  • Winning families contacted towards the end of November.
  • Results and gallery published around 10–15 December 2026.

Publication and rights

  • Entering requires permission to publish the artwork with only the child's first name, age and country.
  • The parent/guardian grants FEBS a non-exclusive permission to reproduce the competition artwork, including on the festive greeting card. The child retains ownership of the artwork.
  • No other names or contact details are published.
  • Postal addresses are requested only from the parent or legal guardian of each winning child, after winners are contacted. No newsletter subscription is bundled with entry.

Questions: comms@febs.org