The 18th annual Materials Visualization Competition (MVC18), an annual scientific and artistic visual competition sponsored by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Materials Research Institute, is now accepting submissions through March 1.
MVC18 celebrates the quality of research in materials at Penn State, while increasing awareness of materials science through the creativity and visualization of researchers at the University.
Entry is open to all current Penn State undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and staff working on materials-related topics.
Judges will select winners in four categories: best of show, visual appeal, computational rendering and scientific imaging. Monetary prizes totaling $1,700 will be awarded by a panel of judges who are professionals in materials and/or the arts.
The public will choose the People's Choice Award winner from all entries, which will be available online to view and vote on electronically from March 23 through March 30. The image that receives the most votes will receive a $100 prize.
Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Full details regarding image submission, participation guidelines and awards can be found on the competition website.
The public is invited to attend the MVC18 Awards Reception from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at the EMS Museum & Art Gallery, 6 Deike Building, University Park. All entries will be on display and winners will be announced at the event.
Visit the Materials Visualization Competition website to learn more and view the past 17 years of winning images.
