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.
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.
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
