Bowfin (Amia calva), UF 18751 by Zachary Randall
Museum ichthyology research technician Zachary Randall won first place in 2015 with this cleared and stained image of a Bowfin, Amia calva.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida students, staff and faculty have until Dec. 20 to enter the sixth annual Elegance of Science art competition.

Organized by the Marston Science Library and Florida Museum of Natural History, the contest is open to UF students and employees who create two-dimensional images as part of their research or incorporate scientific tools or concepts in their artwork.

“The contestants are challenged to communicate their favorite sciences in a casual way through an attractive or puzzling image and a caption that targets a general audience,” said Andrei Sourakov, a collection coordinator at the Florida Museum McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity and one of the event organizers. “In addition to educating the public about diverse sciences at UF, the event bridges gaps between people from across campus.”

Each participant may submit a maximum of five entries, which must be high-resolution images accompanied by no more than a 150-word description on its artistic, scientific and educational value. Descriptions should be written for a high school reading level. Entries are judged based on how well they highlight the connection between artistic and scientific perceptions of reality.

Prizes include $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.

For more information on entering the competition, contest rules or to view past entries, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/eos.

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Writer: Sara Uman, smuman@ufl.edu
Sources: Andrei Sourakov asourakov@flmnh.ufl.edu; Amy Buhler, amybuhl@uflib.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu