The PDN Symposium 2026 is fast approaching (23–24 April 2026), and with it comes the Pre-Symposium Competition. This is your opportunity to showcase some of your creative endeavours with the department.
For this year’s symposium, there are three exciting competitions:
- Art in Science: for aesthetically engaging scientific data (microscopy, western blotting, protein biochemistry, …). Most similar to your classic image competition.
- Science in Art: for non-data-based work inspired by science (e.g. photography, fine art).
- Micro-Stories: a short story, poem, or piece of flash fiction inspired by science, which could comprise anything from a tender verse about the diversity of life to a witty haiku about a failed experiment. Submissions should be up to 250 characters (approximately 40-50 words) — the shorter, the punchier!
You may have as many submissions as you want for as many competitions as you want, just keep submitting this form! But do remember, the submission deadline is April 20, 2026. Entries will be displayed anonymously in the department throughout the symposium. Winners will be selected by a vote from attendees.
Whether your creativity appears in the lab, behind a camera, or on the page, we would love to see it. We are looking forward to your submissions!