🌍 ISCN Biodiversity 🌿 on Campus Photo Contest 📸

Our aim is to create a collection of photos and narratives that show the incredible range of biodiversity on our university campuses around the globe. Each photo submitted should portray a living thing in context - from tiny insects and majestic trees to colorful flowers and rare animals, we want to see the world through your eyes.

We accept photos that show that we are on campus, combining natural with built and human environments. Let's celebrate biodiversity together!

The competition runs from January 5 - February 28, 2026. The pictures will be judged by an international jury and the winning pictures 🏆 will be exhibited on all participating university campuses as well as during the ISCN Conference in Capetown 🇿🇦 🌏 on April 21–23, 2026.

Terms and conditions / FAQ

Who organises the Biodiversity Photo Contest?

This Biodiversity Photo Contest is organised by the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN). The Office of Sustainability at ETH Zurich is the project leader. You are welcome to contact the organisers at sustainablity@ethz.ch.

Who can submit photos?

Anyone can take part in the photo competition, as long as the photos were taken on a campus from the ISCN network. The mission of the ISCN is to provide an international forum to support higher education institutions in the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices for achieving sustainable campus operations, integrating sustainability in research and teaching, and making a positive impact in the world.

Is there a limit to the number of entries I can submit?

Yes, there is. A participant can submit one entry only.

Is there a limit to the number of votes for the public voting?

Yes, anybody can only vote once.

Is there a time limit within which the photos must have been taken?

Yes, your photo must not be older than one year at the time of the call for entries.

When is the closing date?

We are accepting entries for the biodiversity photo competition until February 28, 2026, 23:59 CET.

Do you accept digitally manipulated images / AI-generated images?

The Biodiversity Photo Contest is a photo contest. The jury only accepts self-taken photos, completely artificially generated images will not be accepted. Digitally / AI-edited photos are allowed. Participants must make clear how the submissions have been edited in the comments section. Photos must not be manipulated in a way that changes the meaning of the picture.

How will the photographs be judged?

An international jury from the organizing universities will judge all submissions based on public voting, content and originality.

How do I know if I have won an award?

We will notify award winners by email right after the jury meeting. 

What is the copyright policy and how can the Biodiversity Photo Contest use my photos?

By participating in the photo competition, you confirm that you are the creator of the submitted photographs and that all individuals depicted in the photos have consented to their public display. By taking part the participant grant the organizer the right to publicly present the submitted photos in connection with the photo competition. In using the photo(s) the organizer will credit the photographer. This use of the photos by the organizer and the partners is non-exclusive and non-commercial. This means that the participant may continue to use the photos, and that the organizer or the partners do not pursue any commercial aims with the submitted photos. The right of use is unlimited in terms of time, space and medium.