From labs on campus to field locations across the country and archives around the globe, Queen’s researchers are in pursuit of research that is shaping the world. Through the Art of Research, the Queen’s community takes us behind the scenes of the research process, sharing their unique perspectives of the moments of discovery and the impactful stories behind their pursuits.

The Queen’s photo and video contest offers a creative and accessible way to share the groundbreaking research taking place at the university while celebrating its global and social impact. This year’s competition has been inspired by the university’s Strategic Research Plan 2025–2030 and the Queen’s Bicentennial Vision with the launch of new categories to showcase the researchers themselves and the groundbreaking work they are pursing.  

Over the years, the Art of Research contest has amassed hundreds of striking images of research being conducted by the Queen’s community. The photos are used throughout Queen’s research storytelling from institutional reports and campus installations to international campaigns. By expanding video submissions, the contest aims to increase the opportunity of showcasing Queen’s research to the public.

2026 Categories

Understanding the Earth and universe

Research that drives us to explore and discover, revealing both our place in the world and solutions to global challenges to expand knowledge of our planet.

Promoting health and wellbeing 

Research that spans discovery science, clinical practice, and community-based care, advancing new knowledge and treatments that improve lives and address the most pressing health challenges and advancing lifelong wellbeing for all.

Envisioning just futures 

Research that explores what it means to be human through studies of history, culture, language, politics, and the arts to advance understanding of democracy, justice, and human dignity that informs ethical responses to global challenges.

Advancing next-generation computing 

Research that builds capacity in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and human-machine interaction, with applications across business, health, and the humanities to drive innovation and examine issues of equity, privacy, and ethics, ensuring technology serves society responsibly and sustainably.

Delivering materials for the future 

Research that drives advances in energy, infrastructure, technology, and health that integrates insights from engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine to deliver innovations supporting improved quality of life.

Building inclusive and sustainable societies 

Research that tackles the dual challenges of climate change and social prosperity by collaborating with communities and exploring education, migration, accessibility, and equity to help shape societies that are more resilient, just, and sustainable for generations to come.

2026 Special Prizes

Research in motion 

Awarded to the best video 60 seconds or less that captures the pursuit of your research in action and shows us behind the scenes of where it takes place, from the lab to the field or the archive.

Narratives of discovery

Awarded to the best description that explains the depicted research in the most compelling way using accessible and creative language.

How to submit your entry 

Open to all members of the Queen’s research community from faculty and staff to students and alumni, the contest will run until April 6. The 2026 contest features six categories modeled on the Strategic Research Plan along with two special prizes celebrating unique storytelling. Each special prize and category will offer a cash prize of $250 each. This year, the contest has been expanded to accept either a photo or short video submission to any of the six categories to reflect more forms of creative storytelling.

To submit your photo or video, visit the Vice-Principal Research portfolio website where you can also see a gallery of past winning images. One submission will be accepted per person.

A committee will be struck with representatives from across the university to adjudicate the 2026 entries. Winners will be announced in late-April.