Annual Photography Competition
This year’s theme is ‘Curiosity in Action’.
What first unsettled your thinking? What keeps you returning to the same question, looking closer, or changing direction?
This year’s Festival of PhD Research Photography Competition invites you to explore curiosity as lived doctoral practice.
You can submit images and narratives that show curiosity in motion: moments of noticing, uncertainty, persistence, and discovery. This could be the detail that would not let go, the space where thinking happens, or the unexpected turn that reshaped your research. Show the world 'Curiosity in Action’.
Use photography and a short narrative to share how curiosity operates in your PhD - what drives your questions, how you work with doubt and why your curiosity matters beyond your discipline. We invite you to show curiosity through your own lens, with honesty, clarity, and care.
Eligibility
- Open to all currently registered PhD Researchers at Ulster University.
- One entry per participant.
Exhibition & Awards
- All entries will be displayed at the Festival of PhD Research.
- The Winner, Runner Up and People’s Choice Award will receive a trophy.
Submission to Competition 2026
- Deadline for submission was 25 May 2026 5pm.
Winning 2026 Entries
Selection Criteria
It refers to how elements are arranged within the frame of the photograph. A well-composed photo will have a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement of subjects, lines, shapes, light and space.
- Captures the theme: Does the image directly relate to the competition's theme, "PhD: The Beauty of Discovery"?
- Imagination: A fresh, unique, innovative and new approach to what had been captured. Does the image spark the viewer's imagination and helps them ‘see’ what you experience in your journey?
- Inspires the viewer: Does the image evoke positive emotions, such as inspiration, curiosity, or wonder?
A powerful photograph will evoke emotions and tell a compelling story. The best photos often have a clear narrative, conveying a message or capturing an interesting moment in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
(100-150 words) accessible to a non-specialist audience. Narrative accurately describes the intention, purpose and meaning of the image and enhances its impact.
It captures a moment of spontaneity; it tells a story; it evokes emotion; it gives the viewer the power to interpret the meaning of what is captured; it is creative in its way of looking at things, people, feelings and nature; it reveals a unique perspective.
- Landscape orientation only.
- JPEG/JPG format, maximum 1 GB.
- Mobile photography welcome.
- File name: Include your name (e.g., [Your Name] submission).
- Black and white OR colour photos accepted.
- AI generated images are not accepted.
- Minor adjustments allowed (cropping, sharpening, contrast). No significant alteration or artistic enhancement. Judges may request the original file for verification.
- Remember, no AI tools or filters allowed.
- Images must be taken by the applicant.
- Image title: 2-5 words (maximum 10 words).
- Narrative: 100-150 words.
- You can describe your image and its connection to your research journey.
- You may explain the purpose, intention, and meaning of the image.
- In an accessible language: Avoid acronyms and jargon.
Ethics
- Images must not contain identifiable humans.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and others.
- Respect animal welfare and avoid harming their habitat.
- Comply with all relevant national and international legislation.
- Respect the work of other photographers and avoid plagiarism.
- Unethical practices will lead to disqualification.
Data Protection
When processing and storing data, the competition organisers will adhere to the Data Protection and GDPR regulations (2018).
Terms and Conditions
- Participants must own the copyright of submitted images and ensure they do not infringe on any third-party rights.
- Images must comply with all laws.
- Copyright remains with the creators, but by entering, participants grant the Doctoral College non-commercial use rights for promotion, exhibition, and research publications.
Questions?
Please contact Dr. Paul Joseph-Richard or Lisa Thompson for further details.
Dr Paul Joseph-Richard
Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management
Lisa Thompson
Doctoral Development Manager
