Scientific photography contest Biomédica 2021

2021-05-03

We are convening a photography contest as part of the celebration of the journal’s 40th anniversary. We are inviting anybody interested in scientific photography to send those photographic records of findings they consider worthy and aesthetically appealing capturing a significant element in the development of research.

We will select the best three photographs in each of the categories and then choose the best one to illustrate the cover of issues in volumes 42 y 43. All the photos selected in each category will be gathered in a special issue dedicated to the contest to be published in December 2021.

Contest rules

  1. We have established the following categories for the contest:
    1. Photographs of vegetables or animals
    2. Macrophotography of insects or parasites, direct smears, scrapings from lesions for diagnosis, microbiology cultures, etc.
    3. Microphotography at any magnification, with any staining, and type of microscope
    4. Transmission or scanning electron photomicrographs
    5. Diagnostic images from radiology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance (MR), PET/CT, or the like
    6. Environmental or historic photographs of individuals or institutions
  2. The photographs will be received from 00:00 hrs on Monday May 3, 2021, to 00:00 hrs on Sunday October 31, 2021.
  3. All photographs should be sent to biomedicains@gmail.com through the usual email service or We Transfer (https://wetransfer.com) if the file is too heavy.
  4. Biomédica reserves the right to reject any file that does not comply with the provisions of these contest rules.
  5. The contest is open to anyone interested in recording scientific facts related to the different biomedical disciplines of interest for the scientific community.
  6. A maximum of six photographs will be accepted per participant, i.e., only one photograph per category.
  7. The photographs should have been taken in the course of the five years previous to the date of start of the contest on Monday May 3, 2021.
  8. The photographs should not have been granted recognitions in other contests or been published in Biomédica or any other journal or in the internet.
  9. Biomédica reserves the right to disqualify any participant whose conduct is deemed contrary to the spirit underlying the convening of this contest.

Technical requirements

  1. The photo files should be sent in JPEG (jpg or jpeg) format and not exceed 16 megabits (Mb) and 1,920 pixels in their largest dimension while their resolution should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch).
  2. Adjustments to digital files are allowed for tone and contrast, cropping, burning, dodging, focus sharpening, small-scale cleaning, noise reduction, and High Dynamic Range (HDR), among others. Every adjustment introduced to the original files should be clearly mentioned in the delivery mail.
  3. Improved digital files using any of the existing photo-editing software should not change the essence of the shot. If the jury members consider this is the case, the photograph will be disqualified.
  4. Each photo should be sent with a description of the scientific event captured including, at least, the place of the shot, the species, if that is the case, and its scientific context, as well as the technical conditions mentioning any subsequent photo editing process and, finally, the full identification of the participant: place of work, telephone number, and electronic address.
  5. Submitted images cannot have been falsely colored.

Evaluation of submitted photographs

  1. Submitted photos will be evaluated by a jury composed of three independent evaluators based on the two following criteria: 1) They should be aesthetically appealing, and 2) they should illustrate an interesting scientific phenomenon.
  2. The final decision will be adopted by consensus by the jury members and will be published in Biomédica’s web site (https://revistabiomedica.org/) on Tuesday, December 1st, 2021.

Reproduction rights

  1. Participants should send a signed written declaration addressed to Biomédica granting the journal the reproduction rights of the photograph.
  2. Submitted photographs should adhere to the ethical requirements applicable to photography.