The 12th International Award on Scientific and Nature Illustration, Illustraciencia, is organized by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), the Deputy Vice Presidency for Scientific Culture and Citizen Science (VACC-CSIC), and the Catalan Association of Science Communication (ACCC). This initiative aims to promote scientific culture and illustration, fostering development and knowledge in this field linked to science and scientific dissemination.

The Award welcomes entries from individuals and teams aged 18 and above, irrespective of their place of residence. Previous winners, organizing committee members, and jury members of the prior edition are not eligible to participate in this call.

Award Categories

The following are three main categories for the 11th International Award on Scientific and Nature Illustration, Illustraciencia:

1. Scientific: The proposals that visually represent scientific information with clarity, objectivity, and rigor. They aim to help understand texts, phenomena, or scientific concepts and disseminate content related to various scientific production and knowledge areas. These proposals may depict taxonomic characteristics, complex processes, and relationships between different elements.
2. Naturalist: Proposals that detail nature and its elements, maintaining fidelity to reality. They emphasize harmony in compositions, both in illustrated elements and colors, offering a realistic portrayal of the natural world.

Key Details and Dates

• Receipt of proposals deadline:  March 31, 2025 (23:59 CEST, UTC +2)
• Announcement of selected works: April 24, 2025
• Public Vote of Mention: April 24 – April 30, 2025
• Winners and Mentions announcement: May 27 – May 30, 2025
• Exhibition opening: June 27, 2025
• Funding Type: Award
• Organizer: Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
• Partners: National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Deputy Vice Presidency for Scientific Culture and Citizen Science (VACC-CSIC), and Catalan Association of Science Communication (ACCC)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Individuals and teams of adults aged 18 and above
• Focus Area: Scientific and nature illustration
• Number of Awards: One prize for every category and up to five special mentions
• Host Country: Spain

Benefits and Financial Aids

The following are the award details:

• Each category winner receives a prize of 1,000 euros.
• Authors of Jury Mentions and Mention of the public receive a diploma.
• All 40 selected artworks will receive a digital accrediting certificate.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Open to individuals and teams aged 18 or older.
• Applicants can be from any country, regardless of their country of residence.
• Previous edition winners, organizing committee members, and jury members are ineligible.
• Applicants should have created their works between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
• Illustrations must relate to science or nature, and the technique is free.

Required Documents

All applicants should submit the following items:

• Provide personal/team details and category, and indicate if AI was used.
• Artwork must be created between Jan 1, 2024, and Mar 31, 2025, and focus on science or nature.
• Upload in A4 (210x297mm), 100 DPI, RGB, without watermarks or extra text.
• The file name must match the artwork title (e.g., Loligo-vulgaris.jpg).
• Include an original 100-150 word description in Spanish or English (with Spanish translation).
• Selected artists must send A2 (420x594mm), 300 DPI, CMYK files within 7 days.

Note: Works with plagiarism, uncredited AI use, or missing requirements will be disqualified.

Selection Process

• The jury comprises specialists in scientific illustration, research, and science communication.
• Selection based on technical and scientific rigor, quality, and adherence to guidelines
• The jury will select up to 40 illustrations for the
• Each category winner and up to five special mentions determined by jury decision

How to Apply?

Submit one work (individual or team) via the link below.

Submit Now

Check out more details regarding this award on the official website.

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