TEM Artistry 360
CONTEST 2026
Transforming Classic Electron Micrographs into Scientific Digital Art
TEM Artistry invites students to look closely at electron micrographs, interpret ultrastructural details, and transform them into clear, labelled colour schematics. It is a creative scientific illustration activity designed to strengthen observation, understanding, and communication of microscopic structures.
Entries close on 17 August 2026.
Where microscopy meets scientific illustration
Electron micrographs have helped generations of students understand the hidden architecture of cells and tissues. But learning from them requires more than looking — it requires careful observation, interpretation, and the ability to recognise structures in shades of grey.
In TEM Artistry, participants will work with selected electron micrograph reference images and convert them into labelled colour schematics. The goal is not decorative colouring alone, but scientifically meaningful illustration.
Who can participate?
Open to students and trainees in dentistry, medicine, life sciences, biomedical sciences, and related health science fields. The activity is especially suited for anyone interested in microscopy, histology, cell biology, ultrastructure, scientific illustration, or visual learning.
Awards
Awards and recognition
- Top entries will receive certificates of achievement.
- All eligible participants will receive participation certificates.
- First prize: ₹5,000 / US$50 Academy Credit.
- Selected entries may be showcased during the 360 Anniversary Celebration activities.
We should mention Academy Credit as non-cash and non-transferable somewhere in the rules/details.
Important Notes
Only registered participants will receive the contest PDF.
The contest PDF will include the detailed rules, instructions, official reference images, source citations, submission requirements, and judging criteria.
Participants must use only one of the official reference images provided in the contest PDF.
Entries must be hand-drawn. Digital artwork and AI-generated artwork are not permitted.
Work-in-progress images will be required along with the final submission.
The reference images are provided only for this contest and must not be circulated, posted online, or reused elsewhere.
How it works
- Register using the form.
- After submitting the form, you will receive the link to the detailed rules and instructions PDF.
- Read the PDF carefully before preparing your entry.
- Use only the official reference images/instructions provided for the contest.
- Submit your completed labelled colour schematic before the deadline.
Please note: The link to the detailed rules and instructions PDF will appear in the form submission acknowledgement after you register. It will also be mentioned in the final section/question of the registration form, so please read the form carefully before submitting.
Prizes and participation
Participation Certificate
For everyone who presents live
Achievement Certificate
For the top three
First Prize
* ₹5,000 / US$50 Academy credit for the category winner
* The credit cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred to another person and must be used within one year of issue.
Important dates
17 August 2026
Entries close
23–28 August 2026
Results announced: during the 360 Anniversary Celebration Week
Download and share
Help us spread the word. Download the TEM Artistry 360 poster to share with your colleagues, students, faculty members or professional networks.