BIG10 Neuroscience
Student Art Competition
Unleash your creativity and explore the intersection of art and science in our inaugural Big Ten Neuroscience Annual Meeting Art Competition “Connecting Minds: Art, Neuroscience, and Community”
Eligibility and Criteria
Open to undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and affiliates at any Big Ten institution, neuroscience-related company, or foundation, this competition celebrates original works—whether drawing, painting, photography, wet-lab images, or mixed media—that bring the mysteries of the mind to life.
Prizes
Selected pieces will vie for cash prizes ($750 / $500 / $250), honorable mentions, and the opportunity to be showcased online, in print, and at a physical exhibition at the Palmer Museum of Art and other Penn State venues.
Submission Guidelines
- Each person can submit only one piece of artwork.
- Artwork must be original and created by the individual.
- Acceptable mediums may include drawing, painting, mixed media, etc. If 3D or otherwise, you must submit a photo of the art.
- Artwork should be submitted as a high-resolution image (240 ppi or higher) in JPEG PDF format. Please also provide suggested printing dimensions, though we may have to adjust.
Submission Process
- Entries must be submitted through the competition’s official website.
- Include a title for the artwork and a brief artist statement (up to 300 words) explaining the concept and inspiration behind the artwork.
- Submission will assume acceptance of terms and conditions, outlined below.
Judging Criteria
- Originality and creativity.
- Interpretation of the theme.
- Overall visual impact.
Submission Deadline
Submissions are due July 10th 2025.
Awards and Recognition
- Prizes for 1st ($750), 2nd ($500), and 3rd ($250) place.
- Honorable mentions.
- Winning artworks may be displayed in an online gallery, at a physical exhibition, or featured in a university publication.
Terms and Conditions
- By submitting, participants agree that their artwork may be used for promotional purposes, and it may also be displayed in an online gallery, at a physical exhibition, or featured in digital or print publications by Penn State.
- Ensure that the artwork does not infringe on any third-party rights or contain inappropriate content.
Sponsors
- Penn State Neuroscience Institute
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences
- Penn State College of Medicine
- Penn State Prevention Research Center
