Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge
The 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge invited young artists from across the globe to create artwork highlighting species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of ocean ecosystems with the theme, “Marine Keystone Species.” This theme encouraged students to illustrate the critical roles these species play in shaping and sustaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
We were amazed by the response—more than 1,300 entries from 75 countries poured in—each piece a unique interpretation of a marine keystone species, from sea otters and mangroves to corals and sharks. These species may not always be the most numerous or well-known, but they have an outsized impact on their environment. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity, balance food webs, and support ecosystem resilience. If a keystone species is removed, the entire ecosystem could shift dramatically or collapse. Through their art, students explored these complex ecological relationships and made a compelling case for ocean conservation.
These stunning artworks showcase diverse marine life, from foundational species at the base of the food web and grazers to apex predators and ecosystem engineers. Prepare to be inspired by their imaginative interpretations and powerful messages about protecting the species that keep our ocean in balance. We are proud to showcase the 2025 Challenge winners, whose art encourages us to appreciate the species that keep our oceans healthy and in balance.
Winners & Finalists Ages 11-14:
1st Place (11-14 years old): "Melting Grounds" by Gia Kim, Age 12, United States of America
ARTIST STATEMENT: This artwork describes the Antarctic krill fleeing their iceberg habitat that’s melting underwater. Antarctic krill are known as a keystone species because of their wide food chain, which many marine animals (including us) eat in the Antarctic Ocean. However, their numbers are decreasing because of sea ice loss, which causes them to lose their habitat.
Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:
"Clustered Red Flowers" by Xinyue Jia, Age 15, China
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: Riftia pachyptila gather and grow in large numbers at the seafloor hydrothermal vents, like flowers blooming in the deep. They thrive in the deep sea, where no light penetrates, so the further you move toward the edges of the canvas, the less light there is, making the scene darker and deeper. The red Riftia pachyptila intertwine and grow densely together, showing how numerous they are. In the dark depths of the deep sea, they have adapted to the extreme hydrothermal environment by growing into a vibrant red color. The bubbles emitted by the hydrothermal vents carry the minerals that the Riftia pachyptila rely on to survive. These worms coexist with bacteria that transform the minerals into energy, which fuels the life forms in the Hydrothermal Vent ecosystem. The bacteria also provide food for the deep-sea fish swimming nearby.
