Winners of the 2020 Science Without Borders® Challenge
The 2020 Science Without Borders® Challenge invited students from around the world to “Take Action: Conserve Coral Reefs,” inspiring them to create artwork that highlights how we can protect these vital ecosystems. With over 650 submissions from 43 countries, this year’s contest showcased an incredible range of talent and creativity. Students illustrated diverse conservation efforts, from reducing pollution and educating communities to restoring coral reefs through active stewardship.
High school first-place winner Stacey Lei from the United States captured the power of education in her piece, “The Reef We Read,” emphasizing how awareness can drive positive change for coral reefs. Middle school first-place winner Anish Aradhey’s “Coral Reef Superhero” highlighted the impact of small, everyday actions, portraying a young girl cleaning up beach litter to protect marine life. Their artwork, along with other winning pieces, demonstrated not just artistic skill but a deep understanding of coral reef conservation.
By participating in the challenge, students learned how human activities affect coral reefs and discovered ways individuals can make a difference. The contest encouraged them to explore environmental issues creatively, fostering both artistic expression and a passion for marine conservation. Through their art, these young ocean advocates are inspiring a global audience to take action for coral reefs.
Winners & Finalists Ages 11-14:
First Place: "Coral Reef Superhero" by Anish Aradhey, Age 14, United States
My artwork illustrates one example of action that can help conserve coral reefs: cleaning up beaches. I portrayed a young girl picking up beach trash to show the importance of youth regarding coral reef conservation. The girl wears a cape, representing how those who take care our coral reefs are real-life superheroes. The girl is alone, representing how action can start with just one person. The sunset in the background represents hope for the future, which is further visualized by the vibrant coral reef behind the girl. To summarize, the littered beach in my painting shows a current challenge for coral reefs, the girl demonstrates a small yet heroic action to solve this issue, and the colorful colorful reef background represents a positive goal that we all must work toward. All in all, my painting aims to thank coral reef “superheroes” and inspire a new generation of young, active leaders.
Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:
Second Place: “Heart of the Ocean” by Carina Sun, Age 17, United States
My artwork depicts the effects of human greed on the oceans. There is a looming pile of human filth—discarded plastic bags, trash, old appliances, and torn nets—emerging from the wound of a coral heart. This heart, a large coral, symbolizes ocean life, as well as a balance in the ecosystem. In the center of the heart is a glowing orb, another symbol of life and prosperity. However, there are oil-soaked hands of greed that are trying to grab and snuff out the light. On the right side though, there is a young girl surrounded by light and miniscule compared to the pile of trash, yet she’s trying her hardest to pull out the pile of filth from the polluted coral reef. This conveys my belief that my generation and the younger ones will be the ones who have the strength to act and save the environment.
