The response to our 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge has been overwhelming! We’ve been blown away by the sheer number of submissions we received from aspiring young scientists and artists worldwide. Last week, we proudly unveiled the finalists in the 11-14 age group, and now, we’re ecstatic to announce the finalists in the 15-19 year-old category.
These gifted students come from all over the globe, including The Bahamas, Canada, China, Greece, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, and the United States. Their artwork brings the 2025 theme, “Marine Keystone Species,” to life in extraordinary ways. From intricate illustrations of krill and coral to impactful portrayals of sharks, sea otters, polar bears, mangroves, and more, each piece highlights the essential roles these species play in maintaining ocean balance and biodiversity.
Without further ado, please meet our talented 15-19 year old finalists! These exceptional artists have not only showcased their incredible talents but also their unwavering passion for marine conservation.
15-19 Year-Old Finalists
"Tiny Giants of the Sea" by Vivian Wu, Age 17, Canada
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: This artwork highlights krill as a keystone species, forming the foundation of marine ecosystems. The krill swarm takes the shape of a keyhole, symbolizing its essential role in sustaining life beneath the ocean’s surface. Despite their tiny size, krill support many species, including humpback whales, squid, and fish, while also playing a vital role in carbon cycling. Their bright, glowing pink hues contrast against the deep blues of the ocean, drawing attention to their significance. In addition, the fishing net in the corner symbolizes human activity's harm to their population. Beyond overfishing, krill also face threats from ocean warming and acidification. Overall, this piece emphasizes the vital role of krill in marine ecosystems and urges awareness of human impact on their populations.
Stay tuned! We will announce the winners in the next couple of weeks.