Summer of STEM 2025 – Photo Competition
The long days and bright skies of summer offer the perfect opportunity to pause, observe, and explore the world through a STEM lens. Whether you're trekking through forests, visiting historical engineering marvels, experimenting in your garden, or simply noticing patterns and structures in your everyday surroundings, there are countless opportunities to witness science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in action.
To celebrate the season and the creativity of our STEM Community, we’re inviting you to take part in our Summer of STEM Photo Competition. Your task? To capture a compelling photograph that brings STEM to life. We’re looking for original, thought-provoking images that show how STEM is shaping the world around us this summer, be it through nature, architecture, machinery, movement, materials, or even a kitchen science experiment.
Whether you're an amateur with a phone camera or a seasoned photography enthusiast, this competition is open to all community members. No specialist equipment is needed, just your curiosity, your eye for detail, and your passion for STEM.
The Theme
“Summer STEM in Action”
We’re looking for images that explore the fascinating world of STEM in real-world, creative ways. Your photo could highlight:
The structure and symmetry found in nature
The invisible forces at play in everyday life
A technological innovation on the move
An architectural feature with mathematical beauty
A hands-on science experiment in a holiday setting
However you interpret the theme, your image should tell a STEM story, be clear and creative
Competition Guidelines
Eligibility
Open to all members of the STEM Community.
Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome to participate.
No entry fee is required.
By entering, you confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria and are able to claim any prize awarded.
Submitting Your Entry
Judging Criteria
All entries will be judged on the following:
Creativity and originality in interpreting the theme
Visual impact and overall composition
Relevance and significance of the STEM subject captured
Storytelling and clarity of the accompanying description
Prizes
First Place
Two-night stay for two at Franklin House, York (weekday or weekend, subject to availability one double or two single rooms) plus a STEM Community merchandise bundle
Second Place
STEM Community swag bundle
Third Place
STEM Community swag bundle
Honourable Mentions
STEM Community notepad
Key Dates
Entries open: Monday 8 July 2025
Deadline for submissions: Monday 15th September 2025
Winners announced: Week beginning 21st September 2025 via message on the STEM Community
Terms and Conditions Summary
You retain copyright of your submitted photos but grant STEM Learning a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use them for promotional purposes, with full credit given.
You must have permission from any identifiable people in your photos before submission.
Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or alternative items.
STEM Learning reserves the right to suspend, amend, or cancel the competition if necessary.
Ready to Enter?
Whether you're exploring science in your garden, spotting maths in the wild, or capturing the quiet precision of engineering in everyday life—we want to see your vision of Summer STEM in Action.
Submit your entry by replying to the discussion thread here:
Enter the Summer of STEM Photo Competition here - https://community.stem.org.uk/discussion/summer-of-stem-photo-competition-2025-now-open
We can’t wait to see what you discover this summer.