2026 Photo Contest

WCMR: Microbiology Research Photo Contest - December 2026 Festive Edition

Contest theme: Festive Microbes! 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Show us the beauty, creativity, and wonder of Microbiology through your research images. Whether captured through a microscope, a plate, with fluorescence or in the field, we want to see how your science can reflect the festive season. 
Your photo should connect microbiology to a festive, winter, or holiday aesthetic. This can include:
  • Winter inspired microscopy images 
  • Microbes structures that resembles festive shapes 
  • Seasonal colors or patterns in your research 
  • Any microbiology image with a creative holiday twist

Let your science shine -  literally and figuratively!

How to enter:

1. Upload your photo through the WCMR Photo Contest submission form .
2. Only submissions from an institutional email address (@wlu.ca; @uwaterloo.ca)  will be accepted. Please do not use a personal (@gmail.com) email.
3. WCMR will post all eligible photos on our official Instagram and LinkedIn pages throughout December.
4. Participant’s name and lab will be credited and tagged in the caption (provide your social media handles).
5. The winner is determined by the photo with the highest combined likes on the official WCMR Instagram and LinkedIn post. 

Contest timeline: 

  • Submissions open: December 1
  • Deadline: December 21th 
  • Winner announced: January 5, 2027

Help select the winners:

  • Contest submission photos will be posted on our Instagram account: @wcmr_uofwaterloo.
  • Follow our account, like your favourite photos, and share the contest to help choose the winners.

Prize: 

  • First Prize:  $200 and a WCMR t-shirt.  Your photo will be featured on the WCMR website, newsletter and social media. 
  • Second Prize:  $100 and a WCMR t-shirt.  Your photo will be featured on the WCMR website, newsletter and social media. 

2026 photo contest submission form