Submissions now open for 2024 annual Materials Visualization Competition

The 16th annual Materials Visualization Competition (MVC16), an annual scientific and artistic visual competition sponsored by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Materials Research Institute at Penn State, is now accepting submissions. Deadline for submissions is March 18.

Created to celebrate the quality of research in materials at Penn State, this competition increases awareness of materials science through the creativity and visualization of the University's researchers.

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 22 through March 31. The image that receives the most votes will receive a $100 prize.

Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 18. Full details regarding image submission, participation guidelines and awards can be found on the competition website.

Awards reception April 2

The public is invited to attend the MVC16 Awards Reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, in the EMS Museum & Art Gallery, 6 Deike Building, on the University Park campus. All entries will be on display and winners will be announced at the event.

Learn more about the MVC and view 15 years of winning images.