Photo Contest 2025

We’re excited to announce the ALES GSA Research Photo Contest 2025, a new addition to this year’s conference! This contest is a chance to showcase your creativity while capturing the essence of your research.

Whether it’s a stunning research moment or an artistic take on your project, we want to see your perspective!

Winning photos will be displayed at the ALES Graduate Research Conference 2025, with online and in-person voting to determine the top entries.

Top three choices will be awarded $50 each!

Submit your entries using this form by March 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

1. The contest is open to all ALES Grad Students.
2. Each participant is allowed to submit one photo. Additional entries will not be considered.
3. The entrant must own the rights to the submitted image and have full permission to share it.
4. The photograph should align with the scope of research of the entrant.
5. Submissions must meet the following criteria:
   • Be in PNG or JPG format.
   • Have a resolution of at least 3130 pixels (26.5 cm at 300 ppi) to ensure quality.
   • Include a title and a brief description (maximum 100 words or 900 characters).
   • Be uploaded to the google form which also contains the Submission and Waiver.
   • Not contain:
     • Offensive language, symbols, or inappropriate content.
     • Any illegal or unethical activities.
     • Identifiable personal details of individuals without consent.
     • Nudity or explicit content.
     • Commercial branding, logos, or advertisements.
     • Any material deemed unsuitable by the contest organizers.
6. If any individuals appear in the photograph, their permission must be obtained before submission.
7. Submission Deadline: March 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.

Judging and Voting Process

1. Online voting will commence shortly after the submission deadline.
2. Printed versions of the photos will be showcased at the ALES Graduate Research Conference on April 2, 2025.
3. The voting period will remain open until 1 PM on April 1, 2025, with an option for in-person voting.
4. Entries will be assessed based on the following criteria:
   • Visual Impact – The overall aesthetic and composition of the image.
   • Creativity – The originality and uniqueness of the perspective.
   • Relevance to the Theme – How well the image represents the research work.
   • Quality of Title & Description – The effectiveness of the accompanying text in conveying the message of the image.
5. The top entries will be determined based on the highest number of votes received from conference participants.
6. Winners will be announced on April 2, 2025 at the Closing ceremony of the ALES Graduate Research Conference.

Privacy and Image Usage

1. Any personal information collected will be used strictly for contest administration and related promotional activities.
2. Participant information will not be shared with external parties unless legally required.
3. By entering the contest, participants grant the ALES Graduate Students' Association permission to use, publish, and display their submitted photographs for administering the contest and for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
4. Organizers will strive to credit the photographer whenever possible.

Read and fill out the submission and waiver form carefully before uploading your photo.