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:
First Place (11-14): "Wonders of the Twilight Zone" by Claire Kim, Age 12, Canada
Artist's Statement: Under the deep sea where it is a dark world full of mysteries, there are weird creatures we have not seen. When we think of the deep dark parts of the ocean, the creatures that come to mind usually look unattractive, bizarre, or very unsettling. However deep down in the twilight zone, it is like various colours of fireworks. You can find life with vibrant pinks and blues like a whole new dimension with its own beauty and mysteries. Some even carry light and grace upon seeing them. When a light is lit in the twilight zone, we can see the many charmers who have been hiding in the dark. The deep sea is not all about the big, scary, ugly, or distorted looking creatures, it is about a magical world full of beauty and mesmerizing sights to behold.
Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:
Second Place (15-19): "Under the Sea" by Nadia Cho, Age 16, United States of America
Artist's Statement: In the bathyapelagic zone, tubeworms rest around hydrothermal vents. These tubeworms may seem a little grotesque by their mass numbers, but they are important for the surrounding life by the hydrothermal vents. The tubeworms have a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria inside their body. As the tubeworms transfer hydrogen sulfide from the vent water, the bacteria converts the hydrogen sulfide to food that the tube worm can eat. Since there are many tubworms, it provides a perfect shield to the Zoarcid fish who seek shelter from predators in the deep. Although the tubeworms may provide safety for a few species, they reminded me of the corals in coral reefs and how they provide the same thing for many different species. Hence why I illustrated the type of ecosystem the tubeworms live in and emphasize the beauty of its ecosystem.
