No, unfortunately we do not have a separate category for group projects.
Art Competition
Wonders of Immunology – Student Art Competition
La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) is a scientific research institute in San Diego where researchers and staff come together to solve big problems in medical research. LJI scientists specialize in immune system research, called immunology. They study how the body fights diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, Alzheimer’s, type 1 diabetes, cancers, asthma, allergies and much more.
LJI’s Wonders of Immunology art competition is a chance for local students and educators to explore immune system research and to inspire others to see the beauty in science! Students may enter a work of art that represents any aspect of health or medical research.
LJI staff are happy to work with educators in the sciences or arts who would like to incorporate the competition into their lesson plans. We welcome entries using any visual media, including digital art, sculpture and photography.
The 2024-25 competition is now closed. Winners will be announced by the end of April 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who judges the competition?
Art pieces will be judged by a panel of scientists and staff at La Jolla Institute for Immunology.
How are pieces judged?
The judges assess the art on whether they find it visually intriguing, whether it shows artistic skill, and if there is a clear connection in the piece to health/medical research.
Can I submit work I did for a classroom assignment?
Yes, as long as the work was completed in the 2022-23 school year and there is a clear connection to health/science research.
Can I submit more than one piece?
No, only one piece is allowed per student.
Whati if my art piece is better viewed in real life (such as a sculpture, embroidery, etc)?
What if my art piece is better viewed in real life (such as a sculpture, embroidery, etc)?
No problem! Email madeline@lji.org by May 25, 2024 to make arrangements to have your art piece picked up at your school. Your art piece will be returned to you by July 15, 2024
Can I enter a group project?
Past Winners
2024 competition winners:
Senior Immunologist category – ages 14 to 18
- First place: Zoey Lestyk, Westview High School
- Second place: Victoria Li, Francis Parker School
- Third place: Grayson Alvarado, Mira Mesa High School
2023 competition winners:
Junior Immunologist category – ages 10 to 13
- First place: Elisa “Isa” Asnani, High Tech Explorer Point Loma
- Second place: Eleanor Boster, Albert Einstein Middle School
- Third place: Amrin B., Del Sur Elementary
Senior Immunologist category – ages 14 to 18
- First place: Judy Kang, Westview High School
- Second place: Aspen Cotton, Westview High School
- Third place: Keira Casey, Sage Creek High School
2022 competition winners:
- First place: Jennifer Hu, Canyon Crest Academy
- Second place: Neshama Reed, IDEA Center High School
- Third place: Kelly Dai, Canyon Crest Academy
- Runner up: Sofia Nielsen, Notre Dame Academy
2021 competition winners:
- First place: Elzie-Joy Arinduque, West Hills High School
- Second place: Andrew Huynh, West Hills High School
- Third place: Ariyah Mast, Patrick Henry High School
- Runners up: Sophie Duan, Westview High School; Alexa Aguilar, Granite Hills High School
