Image competition
Get a glimpse into the world of brilliant, diverse postgraduate and early career research at the University of Sussex
The Emerging Researcher Image Competition offers a visual perspective on Sussex's current postgraduate and early career research, building our interdisciplinary community.
There are two prizes - one for PGRs and one for ECRs - as well as the People's Choice award that is voted for by Sussex students and staff. The 2025 judges are Susanna Broom, Head of the Sussex Researcher School, and Stuart Robinson, University Photographer.
Shortlisted entries are on display in the Library Cafe throughout June and July, and at various events during the Summer of Research. Winners will be announced at the prize-giving following the Three Minute Thesis final on Friday 20 June.
Vote for your favourite image for the £100 People's Choice prize!
Check out the online gallery below, then vote here.
Voting is open Monday 9 June until 2.00pm on Friday 20 June.
Only Sussex, BSMS and IDS students and staff are eligible to vote. One vote per person, other votes will be discounted.
Emerging Researcher Image Shortlist 2025
For the best viewing experience, open the Sway in full screen. The accessibility view provides a high-contrast design and screen reader access.
View entries in pdf: Emerging Researchers Image Competition 2025.pdf [PDF 3.55MB]
2025 Prizes
PGR Winner: £200 towards your research
ECR Winner: £200 towards your research
People’s Choice (one prize): £100 towards your research
Judges will assess the images according to the following criteria:
Image
- Is the image eye-catching and engaging?
- Does the image effectively communicate the nature of the research?
- Is the image of sufficient technical quality?
Title and caption
- Is the title engaging?
- Is the caption written in a style that is accessible to a non-specialist audience?
- Do the image, title and caption work together to form a coherent and clear narrative?
| Key dates for 2025 competition | |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Monday 14 April |
| Deadline for submitting your entry | Monday 19 May, 12 noon |
| Entries reviewed by judging panel | Monday 19 May - Friday 30 May |
| Shortlisted images announced, and online gallery launched | w/c Monday 2 June |
|
Exhibition during Summer of Research, and in Library Cafe |
Monday 9 June - Friday 20 June |
|
Online voting for People's Choice award |
Monday 9 June - Friday 20 June, 2.00pm |
| Winners announced at prize-giving after 3MT final |
Friday 20 June, around 3.15-3.30pm |