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The inaugural AAS Open Research photography competition for the African research community is now open for entries.

Telling the story of scientists’ research through photography

This week (19-25 October) is Open Access Week, and the theme for 2020 is “Open with Purpose: Taking Action to Build Structural Equity and Inclusion.” The African Academy of Science is committed to listening to researchers and responding to their needs to create a better, more inclusive publishing experience. As part of our on-going efforts to support academic inclusivity, we’re using photography to give our researchers a platform to tell their stories.

Photography is a great way to capture and share a different side of your research with the world in an engaging and accessible way. That’s why we’re inviting members of the African research community to bring your research to life via a single visual image.

From life sciences and medicine to physical and social sciences; the competition aims to showcase and celebrate the breadth and depth of research taking place across Africa, as well as the people who make it happen. 

We are looking for photographs that are visually appealing and original, as well as inspiring and relevant to the research being carried out. Photographs can be taken on either a digital camera or smartphone and should be accompanied by a caption (brief description) that explains what is happening in the picture.

To enter, researchers can either post their pictures on social media and tag @AASOpenRes, making sure to use the hashtag #AASphoto. Alternatively, you can email your photos to [email protected].

The winner will receive a KSh10,000 (approx. 91.89 USD) eGiftAfrica voucher, a £250 Routledge Books voucher and their photo will take pride of place on our AAS Open Research Twitter and Blog headers, and featured in a special blog post which will be showcased on the AAS Open Research blog. Two runners up will also be awarded a £100 Routledge Books voucher.

The submission will be judged on three criteria: Connection between image, text, and research; originality and visual impact. Find out more about this photography competition here.

What are you waiting for! Grab your camera, or smartphone, and show off your photographic talent. We look forward to seeing your entries.