Wellcome Photography Prize 2027
Opportunity type: Prize
For: Photographers
Deadline: 21/10/26
Rewards: £10,000 per category winner + more
Location Eligibility: Worldwide
About this opportunity
The Wellcome Photography Prize is seeking photographers and image makers for their biennial competition celebrating photography and scientific imagery that brings health and science to life. Run by the Wellcome Trust and approaching its 30th anniversary, it’s open to anyone, at any level, from anywhere in the world, looking for entries that explore discovery research, mental health, infectious disease, or climate and health — from a single striking photograph to a multi-image series or a piece of scientific/medical imaging (microscopy, CT, MRI, X-ray and similar techniques). There is no limit on the number of images an entrant can submit, and images just need to have been taken after 31 December 2021 (previously published images are allowed).
Winning images will be reproduced in print, so entries must meet strict technical specifications: at least 15MB uncompressed, Adobe RGB (1998) colour profile, TIFF or high-resolution JPEG preferred. AI-generated or AI-based images are not eligible. Entrants under 18 need parental or guardian consent to submit. By entering, copyright holders grant Wellcome a licence to use submitted images (royalty-free, except for merchandise use) in connection with the prize; shortlisted and winning entries carry a longer-term, perpetual version of that licence tied to Wellcome’s charitable work.
Rewards
- £10,000 for the winner of each of the three categories (Striking Solo Photography, Storytelling Series, Marvels of Scientific and Medical Imaging)
- An additional 22 entries across the three categories receive £1,000 each
- Extensive international media coverage, plus possible opportunities to showcase work at events
Eligibility
- Open to anyone, at any level, from anywhere in the world (collaborative/collective works accepted)
- Not open to anyone directly involved in organising or judging the competition
- Entrants under 18 must have parental or legal guardian consent
- Images must have been taken after 31 December 2021
- No AI-generated or AI-based images accepted
- Each image can be entered in only one category; each entry to the Series category needs 3–5 images
- Images that previously won or were shortlisted in this prize cannot be re-entered
- Note: if financial sanctions laws prevent Wellcome from transferring prize funds to the country an entrant is based in, Wellcome may substitute an alternative prize of equivalent value or award the prize to another entrant instead
Entry Fee
Free
How to Apply
Apply using the link: Wellcome Photography Prize 2027
All questions regarding this opportunity should be sent to PhotoPrize@wellcome.org
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