Capturing the Future: Winners of the European Researchers’ Night 2025 Photo Contest Announced
May 31, 2025
The European Researchers’ Night 2025 Photo Contest has brought science into focus—literally—through a stunning collection of images from around the globe. With 60 submissions from countries including Portugal, Spain, France, Australia, India, and Morocco, this year’s contest proved that scientific inspiration knows no borders.
Organised as part of the European Researchers’ Night (ERN)—a European Commission flagship initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions—the contest is one of many events designed to connect science with society. Since 2005, ERN has engaged millions across 30+ countries and 300+ cities, making research more accessible and relevant to the public.
Under the theme “Science for a Sustainable Future,” participants were invited to capture the ways science addresses global challenges—from climate change and public health to social equity and innovation. The result: a diverse gallery of powerful visuals reflecting the transformative role of research in everyday life.
🏆 And the Winners Are:
🥇 1st Place – Photo 28: “Microcosmic Chemical Gardens”
📷 Karl Gaff
A breathtaking fusion of science and art, this image reveals the intricate beauty of crystalline formations through polarized light microscopy, highlighting the spontaneous self-assembly of molecules.
🥈 2nd Place – Photo 6: “Hidden Artefacts of Science”
📷 Emine Kahraman
A vivid Scanning Electron Microscope image that unveils the unexpected aesthetic hidden within biomedical materials, showing how even experimental artefacts can become windows into discovery.
🥉 3rd Place – Photo 5: “A New Wave of Science”
📷 João Azevedo
An image that captures the delicate precision of microfabrication, where cutting-edge technology meets visual poetry—shaping the future of optoelectronics and communication.
These winning entries embody not only scientific excellence but also a creative spirit that makes research tangible and inspiring to all.
As we celebrate these visual stories, we’re reminded of science’s role in shaping a sustainable, innovative future—and of the creativity researchers bring to both the lab and the lens.
