2026 royal society publishing photography competition

We are delighted to announce that the 2026 Competition is now open for entries. Anyone studying or working in science at graduate level or above can enter by submitting their photograph in the categories of: Astronomy, Behaviour, Earth Science and Climatology, Ecology and Environmental Science, and Microimaging.

Winning entries are chosen according to two key criteria: they should be aesthetically pleasing, and convey an interesting scientific phenomenon.

As well as an overall winner, a category winner and runner up are selected for each category. Photographs can be submitted to one of 5 categories:

• Astronomy – for images of astronomical bodies, or that demonstrate astronomical or astrophysical phenomena

• Behaviour – for images that show the behaviour of living species

• Earth Science and Climatology – for images of physical processes or features related to Earth, including its oceans and atmosphere

• Ecology and Environmental Science – for images that demonstrate the interaction of species within the environment and the environment itself

• Micro-imaging – for any images taken using microscopes and other high-magnification imaging devices