For the past five years, the Art of Science contest has invited UC San Diego’s scientific community to showcase the stunning imagery that arises from their work and the compelling narratives shaped by their research. Created by UC San Diego Library in 2021 and inspired by the visually striking data sets curated for its Research Data Collections repository, the contest celebrates the intersection of science and art and the power of science communication.

Each year, researchers from across the campus community — including undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and project scientists — submit captivating images that spark curiosity and shed light on society's most pressing challenges and the cutting-edge research taking place at UC San Diego.

Since its launch, the contest has received submissions from a wide range of disciplines, including oceanography, climate science, neurobiology, synthetic biology, pharmacology, cognitive science, materials science, geophysics, planetary physics, urban studies and planning, music, and various branches of engineering. This breadth reflects the creativity and diversity of UC San Diego’s research community and the university’s commitment to fostering research at all academic levels.

This exhibition features winning entries from 2021 through 2025, inviting viewers to see science through a new lens — one that ignites curiosity, encourages dialogue, and reveals the profound connections between science, art, and society.

The Art of Science: Five Years Through the Lens of Discovery is on view in the Exhibition Gallery at Geisel Library from September 5, 2025, to March 22, 2026, during the building’s open hours. A public opening reception will be held on Thursday, October 9.