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
"Footprint" by Waner Wei, Age 15, China
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: The painting, titled "Footprints," depicts a scene of hermit crabs living in a mangrove forest. On the left side of the image, a hermit crab carries a plastic bottle cap—a symbol of human waste—instead of the natural shells it would typically bear, slowly crawling across human footprints on the sand. Although the waves may wash away the footprints on the beach, they cannot erase the profound impact of human activities on the ecological environment. The hermit crab rests quietly among the intertwined roots of the mangroves, symbolizing its indispensable role in the mangrove ecosystem. As scavengers, soil aerators, and seed dispersers, hermit crabs maintain the ecological balance of the mangroves, serving as a vital safeguard for the survival of numerous species. Humans have an obligation to protect them. Even the seemingly insignificant creatures are intricately connected to the entire ecosystem.
Stay tuned! We will announce the winners in the next couple of weeks.