Following the announcement of our 11–14 age-group finalists, the Science Without Borders® Challenge continues with the 15–19 age group. Each year, the Challenge invites students to explore the ocean through both art and science—and this year’s finalists have done just that in remarkable ways.
Representing countries across the globe, including Canada, China, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and the United States, these talented young artists dive into the 2026 theme, “Microscopic Marine Life,” revealing a world that is rarely seen but deeply felt. Their artworks illuminate the hidden systems that sustain our planet, from oxygen-producing phytoplankton to deep-sea microbes driving chemical cycles far below the surface.
Through a range of creative approaches, these students transform the invisible into something tangible. Some reimagine microorganisms as vast, architectural forms or glowing ecosystems, while others focus on the delicate structures and life cycles of individual species. Many works explore powerful ideas of connection—between life and death, surface and deep sea, and humanity’s reliance on organisms too small to see.
What stands out most is not just the technical skill on display but the depth of understanding behind each piece. These artists highlight how microscopic marine life forms the foundation of ocean ecosystems, regulates Earth’s climate, and ultimately makes life as we know it possible.
We’re proud to celebrate this group of finalists, whose work challenges us to look more closely, think more deeply, and better appreciate the unseen forces shaping our world.
2026 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists (Ages 15-19)
"The Unsung Heroes of Our Oceans" by Chloe Jang, Age 15, United States of America
ARTIST’S STATEMENT: When I was around five years old, I asked my older brother where our oxygen comes from. His answer was the same as many others’: trees. While many point to vast forests, most of Earth’s oxygen actually comes from far smaller organisms - microscopic phytoplankton that drift through the ocean, supporting life both in and out of the water. My artwork highlights the importance of phytoplankton in the ecosystem, from their role as the foundation of the marine food web to their impact on mitigating climate change. In my piece, an ocean scene unfolds beneath a distant sunset, casting a warm glow over a vibrant underwater ecosystem filled with abundant phytoplankton. By bringing visibility to what is often overlooked, this artwork encourages awareness, reminding others that recognizing the unseen is the first step toward protecting it.
Stay tuned! We will announce the winners in the next couple of weeks.
