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Announcing the Winners of the People’s Choice Award in the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the People’s Choice Award in the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge! Thousands of people responded to our call to vote for their favorite artwork in each age group, choosing art that best reflects this year’s theme, “Hidden Wonders of the Deep.” The votes have been counted, and it is with great pleasure that we reveal the talented artists who captured the hearts and imaginations of people from around the globe. 

In the 11-14 age group, the People’s Choice Award goes to 14-year-old Isabelle Chapman, from Taiwan, for her jaw-dropping artwork titled “Secrets Under the Sea.” With over 750 votes, Isabelle’s artwork portrays a small boat sailing at night, with giant deep sea creatures lurking below. Through her artwork, Isabelle captures a variety of animals that have adapted to life in the deep sea. From giant teeth and big eyes to the glow of an anglerfish’s lure, animals have developed many unique characteristics to help them live in the deep dark abyss. Congratulations, Isabelle Chapman, for your remarkable talent and for using your artwork to help raise awareness about life in the deep sea!

“Secrets Under the Sea” by Isabelle Chapman, Age 14, Taiwan

Moving on to the 15-19 age group, we are delighted to crown Muhammad Faris Izzudin, Age 16, from Indonesia, as the People’s Choice Award winner. Archie’s artwork, titled “GALAXIAS – A Galaxy in the Sea,” received a staggering 3,100 votes. Muhammad’s artwork portrays the incredible diversity of marine organisms, encouraging viewers to dive deeper into the mysteries of the deep sea. The many deep-sea organisms he portrays on a black background resemble a galaxy. He says this illustration represents “a space filled with limitations, yet holding millions of wonders.” Congratulations, Muhammad Izzudin, for your thought-provoking artwork!

“GALAXIAS – A Galaxy in the Sea” by Muhammad Faris Izzudin, Age 16, Indonesia

As a token of appreciation for their extraordinary artistic abilities illustrating the beauty and wonder of life in the deep sea, Isabelle Chapman and Muhammad Faris Izzudin will each receive a $50 scholarship. These scholarships aim to support and encourage their artistic endeavors, helping them further explore their talents and make a positive impact on the world around them.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the talented young artists who participated in the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge. Your creative and thoughtful works of art continue to inspire us all. Each piece of artwork we received truly highlighted the need to conserve the deep sea. We plan to announce the official winners of the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge soon, which is judged separately from the People’s Choice award by a panel of experts according to a grading rubric.

Finally, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to everyone who took the time to vote for their favorite artwork. Your participation is instrumental in amplifying the voices of these talented young artists and raising awareness about the need for ocean conservation.

Stay tuned the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge! To be the first to know, sign up to receive our newsletter below.

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