2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge Finalists: 15-19 year old students
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is delighted to announce the finalists in our 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge! This international contest engages students in important ocean issues through art. This year we asked students to create a piece of art that highlights the beauty and wonder of life in the deep sea.
We received a record number of submissions this year—over 1,700 entries from 82 different countries—making the selection process challenging yet rewarding. The submissions were breathtaking. Prepare to be amazed by their artwork, which showcases deep-sea creatures and ecosystems and emphasizes the urgent need to preserve the deep sea.
Entries to the Science Without Borders® Challenge are judged in two categories based on age. Here are the finalists selected from the older group of applicants, students 15-19 years old:
"Strawberry Squid the Peculiar Predator" by Sinbi Lee, Age 17, Republic of Korea
Artist's Statement: Strawberry squid is one of the most peculiar creatures living in the twilight zone. The photophores on their skin and their asymmetrical pair of eyes do not only look fascinating, but also help them survive in the deep sea. While they use counter illumination with the “jewels” on their skin to avoid the predators, their eccentric eyes allow them to find food—from both above and below. The larger yellow eye faces upwards to see the silhouettes of the preys, and the smaller blue eye faces downwards to detect the light coming from other bioluminescent preys. This strategy allows them to search food from both sides at the same time, and I think this truly demonstrates the uniqueness and beauty of evolution in the deep sea. This piece depicts and celebrates such beauty, encouraging more exploration about all hidden wonders of the deep.
