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
2nd Place (15-19 years old): "Bridge Between Waters and Worlds" by Kimin Kim, Age 17, Republic of Korea
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: Mangroves stay still, rooted to the water and ground that they inhabit, yet are the hubs of ceaseless ecological activity. They filter the sediment that comes from sea to inland and vice versa; are the resting places of saltwater fish that come to lay eggs and the temporary homes of fry that will leave to join the ocean; and they even protect nearby seagrass beds and coral reefs by holding in particles that might cloud the water or litter other environments. Mangroves may not be as obviously active as other keystone species, but they are a vital part of not only mangrove forests but other environments too. They are the keystone of the bridge that upholds and links mangrove swamps and environments like the seagrass bed. They are an incredible symbol of how saltwater and freshwater, sea and land, ecosystem and ecosystem, and the entirety of planet Earth, are all connected.
