DMSE Breakerspace Microscope Image Contest Fall 2024

Microscope imagery is central to the Breakerspace’s educational mission. This fall, we invite undergraduates across MIT to tap into their curiosity, create stunning images using Breakerspace equipment, and compete for prizes.

Categories

• Most Instructive: Images that illustrate key concepts in your discipline and help teach others about something you’re passionate about.
• Most Challenging: Images that require extra effort to prepare the sample (documentation required).
• Best Optical Microscope Image: Artistic or beautiful images captured with the Breakerspace digital optical microscope.
• Best Electron Microscope Image: Artistic or beautiful images captured with a scanning electron microscope in the Breakerspace.

First place in each category will receive $500, with additional runner-up prizes awarded.

Judging Criteria

A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on the following:

• Technical merit: The clarity, focus, depth of field, contrast, and spatial resolution of the image.
• Artistic merit: The composition, symmetry, and overall visual impact.
• Context (as explained in the image caption): The caption should explain the relevance or background of the image. Judges will look for clarity and insight to help viewers understand its significance.

How to Enter

• Sign up for Breakerspace lab training. (If you’ve trained, you’re one step ahead!)
• Capture your optical or scanning electron microscope images in the Breakerspace.
• Submit your entry by Friday, November 15.

Rules

• All entrants must be currently enrolled MIT undergraduate students.
• All entries must be captured using the microscopes in the DMSE Breakerspace, 8-102a.
• Each winner will be eligible for one prize only, though multiple submissions will be accepted.

Deadline

Submissions are due by Friday, November 15. Winners will be announced on Friday, December 6.
Curious? Ready to explore the microscopic world? Let’s get started!