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. Any visual art medium is welcome, though there are restrictions on AI-generated elements (see FAQ below).
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.
ENTRY FORM
Entering the competition
The art competition is open to any student in San Diego County in grades 5 through 12. Art pieces must depict an aspect of health or medical research that is connected to the immune system
In addition to entering an art piece, students will be asked to submit background information on their piece, including: the connection between the piece and science/health, why they choose their art medium, and what they learned about science during the process.
The competition is split into two categories:
Junior Immunologists — grades 5-8
Senior Immunologists — grades 9-12
All students under age 18 are required to submit a guardian permission form to enter the competition. Download form here
Important dates
Submissions due: March 15, 2025
Winners announced: April 15, 2025
Prizes
The two winners (from each category) will receive the Ultimate Dual Microscope, manufactured by National Geographic. Each winner will also receive a plaque from LJI.
Educator resources
Students are welcome to enter art pieces they create as part of school curricula. LJI staff can help educators incorporate the competition into their lesson plans to reinforce concepts in science, health, and arts courses. Contact LJI Science Writer Madeline McCurry-Schmidt at madeline@lji.org for more information on LJI outreach and potential classroom visits.
