ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

A gallery space with photographs displayed and students sitting around.

Competition category: photograph

Can you convey your research story through a photograph?

Tell your research story through a photograph and enter the research competition by Monday 27 January 2020.

Photography allows you to think about your research in different ways, offering a fresh perspective. It can help you to consider what has inspired you or captured your imagination, to illustrate the people or stories. What makes a good photograph is how well it conveys the story. Composition is key, as well as being visually aware of other photographer’s work for inspiration.

Photograph category information

Download the PDF

Judging criteria

Your photograph will be judged by a panel against the following criteria:

  • Imagination: How original and arresting is the story behind the image? Does it challenge the viewer?  
  • Research matter and coherence: How well does it relate to your research items and topics as described on the entry form?  
  • Visual impact: Where is our eye drawn to in the photograph? Is the viewer's attention captured in an interesting way? 

Submission information

A maximum of one photograph may be submitted as part of a single exhibit from either an individual or a group. Your photograph must be:

  • Minimum resolution 300dpi
  • EPS, TIFF or JPG file
  • Do not include any logos, for example the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ logo.

How to enter your photograph

Make sure you enter your photograph by midday on Monday 27 January 2020. To enter your photograph you need to:

  • Upload your file to and get a download link 
  • Read the terms and conditions as you will be asked on your entry form to agree to them
  • Complete an entry form.

What happens next

All valid photographs will be featured in an online gallery which will host a public vote for the Popular Prize.

If your photograph has been shortlisted for further prizes, you will be notified in February. Shortlisted photographs will be:

  • Displayed at the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Festival research competition exhibition in the week Monday 2 to Saturday 7 March. All exhibitors will be expected to attend a reception and prize-giving to exhibit your work
  • Entered for the photograph category prize
  • Entered for either the PhD Academy or ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ LIFE Prize if you are either a student or you graduated in 2019
  • Entered for the Festival Prize if your submission engages with the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Festival theme “Shape the World”. 

Contact us 

Email us at researchcompetition@lse.ac.uk if you have any questions.