Do you have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or another young family member who loves drawing? Invite them to take part in the FEBS Children’s Science Art Competition 2026! Open to young artists aged 4–15 with a close family connection to the FEBS community, the competition offers three microscope prizes and the chance to have a drawing featured in the official FEBS 2026 festive greeting.

Where science meets imagination

Science is full of shapes, colours and patterns that can spark a child's imagination. From the intricate symmetry of a snowflake to the fascinating world of cells seen under a microscope, there is plenty of inspiration for a winter-themed work of art.

This year, FEBS is inviting the youngest members of its extended community to explore these connections through Science in a Winter Celebration, the theme of its 2026 children's art competition.

The challenge is simple: create an original drawing or painting that brings together science and a winter celebration. Perhaps a snowman made of molecules, a microscopic winter landscape or a gathering of cells enjoying the festive season. Young artists are free to come up with their own interpretations.

No advanced scientific knowledge is needed. What matters is curiosity, creativity and the ability to bring a scientific idea into a winter scene.

Three age categories, three microscopes to win

To give children of different ages the opportunity to participate, the competition is divided into three categories:

• Little Explorers (4–6 years)

• Young Discoverers (7–10 years)

• Future Scientists (11–15 years)

One winner in each category will receive a microscope, offering them the opportunity to continue exploring the world around them.

And there is another special opportunity: one of the three winning artworks will be selected as the official FEBS 2026 festive greeting, to be shared with the wider FEBS community.

Entries will be evaluated according to creativity, their connection to science and their interpretation of the non-religious winter theme, with the child's age taken into account.

Who can take part?

The competition is open to children aged 4–15 who have a close family connection to someone involved in FEBS.

That connection does not have to be through a parent. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other close young family members of eligible people in the FEBS community may participate, provided they meet the competition's eligibility requirements.

There are no geographical restrictions, so young artists can take part from anywhere in the world.

Drawings and paintings must be original and created using physical materials such as pencils, crayons or paints. Digital artwork and images generated or modified using AI are not eligible.

A parent or legal guardian must submit the artwork on behalf of the child through the online competition form.

Help us spread the word!

There may be a young artist in your family who would enjoy combining science and creativity. Why not invite them to give it a try?

Whether you are a researcher, student, educator or another member of the FEBS community, we encourage you to share this opportunity with your family and help us bring young people's imagination into the FEBS winter celebrations.

The deadline for entries is 18 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Visit the FEBS Children’s Science Art Competition page to read the full eligibility criteria, competition guidelines and submission instructions.

We look forward to discovering how the youngest members of our extended community see science through their art!