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Call for visuals: Share your vision of light and quantum science

Share your visual works on light and quantum science. Selected submissions will be showcased on UNESCO's website.

Deadline for submission: 16 July 2025
A light bulb with a human hand underneath

Light is one of the most basic and important parts of the universe. It's also where the journey into quantum science, the branch of science that studies how the tiniest particles in the universe behave, begins. From the glow of heated objects to the puzzling behavior of tiny particles of light, light has helped us discover how the quantum world works.

About the call

To celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) and the International Day of Light (16 May), UNESCO and partners are launching Quantum light: A visual odyssey, a global call for visual works inspired by the intersection of light and quantum science.

Anyone who is interested is invited to submit one creative visual work, which may consist of one to three related images. Your work can take the form of a photograph, illustration, comic, collage, or a photograph of a hand-crafted object. 

Submissions that meet the eligibility criteria will enter a selection and public voting phase, and the top entries, as determined by both jury and audience, will be featured on UNESCO's website.

Submission process

All participants are invited to complete a 6-question quiz about light and quantum science. Score at least 4 correct answers to unlock your chance to participate. The quiz is designed to be fun and educational, with helpful tips after each question to boost your knowledge.

Your piece should be inspired on one of the following themes:

  • The quantum nature of light
  • Quantum interactions and entanglement
  • Light as a quantum messenger
  • Our universal glow

Please ensure your submission includes:

  • A title
  • Selected themes
  • The level of AI tools involved
  • A short scientific description (max. 50 words)
  • Artistic or personal reflection (max. 100 words)

  • All entries will be reviewed and screened for eligibility and relevance by experts in the field of quantum science and technology.
  • Shortlisted works will enter a public online vote in August 2025 (links to be shared later).
  • Recognition will be given to four works based on the themes previously mentioned in the following categories:
    • Most popular
    • Best scientific creativity
    • Best science communication
    • Best artistic expression
  • Winners will receive certificates and their work will be shared on UNESCO's website in October 2025.
A person with a Laptop

Submit now

Are you ready to share your vision of quantum light with the world?

Key dates

  • Call opens: 16 May 2025 (International Day of Light)
  • Submission deadline: 16 July 2025
  • Public voting: August 2025
  • Publication of winners: October 2025

Organized by

UNESCO, in partnership with:

Contact

UNESCO Secretariat
of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)

Data Privacy

Your data will be processed under UNESCO’s Privacy Policy and used only for educational, non-commercial purposes related to IYQ.