Reef Relationships

May 1, 2015

Written by Liz Thompson

Winners of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud to showcase the winning entries of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge, an international art competition that inspires students to creatively raise awareness of ocean conservation issues. This year’s theme, Reef Relationships, highlighted the intricate connections between coral reef species, as well as the vital relationship between humans and the reefs. The competition saw over 150 entries from 17 countries, including Hungary, India, Kenya, and New Zealand, with middle school students representing more than half of the participants.

The first-place winner in the middle school category was Rachel Shen from Ontario, Canada, for her piece Preserve to Survive the Struggles. Inspired by a snorkeling trip to Hawaii, Rachel’s artwork emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between corals and marine life. In the high school category, Michelle Huang from Texas, USA, took first place with Treasure Reef, a poignant depiction of the responsibility we bear in protecting the natural world. Both artists, along with the other winners, used their creativity to call attention to the importance of coral reefs in sustaining marine biodiversity.

Through the Science Without Borders® Challenge, the Foundation aims to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates by fostering a deeper connection to our oceans. The stunning artwork submitted not only showcases the beauty of coral reefs but also highlights the pressing need to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems.

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

Natasha Chen, Age 12, Markham, Ontario, Canada; Coral Reef Struggles

Nandor Hoppal, Age 11, Berettyoujfalu, Hungary; Life in Fiji

Shaw-Zong Hsueh, Age 15,Houtson, TX; Underwater Harmony

Caroline Mo, Age 13, Markham, Ontario, Canada; The Throne of Protection

Claire Qu, Age 12, Sugar Land, TX; Ocean at Nightfall

Nityashri Sankaran, Age 11, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Protect the Colourful Seabed

Amy Son, Age 12, Cherry Hill, NJ; Wonders of the Creatures Below

Naomi Valdez, Age 14, Hallandale Beach, FL; Symbiosis on a Canvas

Catherine Zheng, Age 12, Parsippany, NJ; Coral Reef Companions

High School Winners & Finalists:

Hyeonwoo Cho, Age 17, New York, NY; Sinking Feeling

Katherine Lee, Age 17, Tampa, FL; Will Work for Food

YouJin Lee, Age 17, Glendale, CA; Untitled

Wanlu Liu, Age 16, Richmond, BC, Canada; Translucent Dream

Allyssa Park, Age 16, Irvine, CA; Life in the Corals

Jiho Park, Age 19, New Hyde Park, NY; Disappear

Aishani Sil, Age 14, Plano, TX; Protective Parrotfish – Key to Coral Reef Survival

Adriana Taboada, Age 16, New York, NY; Vibrant Co-existence

Jamia Mei Tolentino, Age 16, Manila, Philippines; Untitled

Jill Chloe Tolentino, Age 15, Manila, Philippines; Untitled

Jiseong Yoon, Age 16, Seongnam, Korea; They Live, We Live

Hoseong Yun, Age 15, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; The Harmony of Coral Reefs

Everything You Need to Know About the 2027 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Are you ready to combine your creativity with ocean science?

The 15th Annual Science Without Borders® Challenge is now open! Whether you’re participating for the first time or returning for another year, this guide will help you get started.

This year’s theme, Navigate With Care, invites students to explore how responsible navigation helps protect both people and life in the ocean. Through your artwork, you can compete for scholarships and international recognition while inspiring others to protect both people and life in the ocean.

Global Reef Expedition Data Contributes to Landmark Report on the World’s Coral Reefs

More than a decade after scientists aboard the Global Reef Expedition surveyed coral reefs across the Pacific, the data they collected continues to contribute to our understanding of the world’s coral reefs.

Today, the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) released Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025, the most comprehensive assessment to date of the status and trends of coral reefs worldwide. The report brings together an extraordinary amount of information collected over more than four decades—and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud to have contributed data from the Global Reef Expedition to this global effort.

Winners of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

High School Winners & Finalists:

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Everything You Need to Know About the 2027 Science Without Borders® Challenge

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