UCalgary graduate students translate complex ideas into captivating art

Every picture tells a story, but at the University of Calgary’s annual Images of Research (IoR) Competition, each image is a gateway into groundbreaking discoveries. 

Graduate students from across various disciplines were invited to frame their research in a compelling visual format, blending artistry with academia to share their work with a broader audience. This year’s entries transported viewers from the microscopic to the monumental — offering glimpses of cellular landscapes, AI-generated creative and even a bighorn sheep peeking through a wooden fence.

The IoR Competition, hosted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, is more than just a contest — it’s an opportunity for graduate students to refine their communication skills, explore new ways of thinking about research, and connect with a wider community. Participants submit an original, high-resolution image that encapsulates their research, accompanied by a succinct, jargon-free abstract that explains its significance.

“Competitions, like this one, are incredibly important as it gives our graduate students a platform to explore new ways of conveying their research,” says Dr. Tara Beattie, PhD, dean and vice-provost, Faculty of Graduate Studies. “Breaking down barriers, making research accessible, engaging to the UCalgary  community and beyond, is an essential skill to cultivate during graduate studies. I’m incredibly impressed by this year’s submissions and extend my congratulations to all winners.”

A celebration of research through art

The IoR Awards Ceremony on Feb. 10, 2025, was a celebration of creativity and research. The Cenovus Energy Great Hall buzzed with excitement as attendees gathered to see the winning images unveiled. From abstract digital compositions to breathtaking photography, this year’s submissions highlighted the incredible range of graduate research at UCalgary. Some images required a second look — like an AI-generated weaver crafting intricate patterns or a plant cell wall so detailed it could be mistaken for modern art.

A panel of expert judges evaluated the entries: Dr. Jean-René Leblanc, professor of visual research and digital storytelling in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts; Dr. Aoife Mac Namara, dean of the Faculty of Arts; Dianne Ouellette, a Métis filmmaker and multimedia artist; and Mir Ishruna Muniyat, a student engagement administrator with the Graduate Students' Association. With $2,050 in awards, the top winner took home $750, the four category winners earned $300 each, and the People’s Choice Award winner received $100. 

And the winners are...

• Overall Winner and Digitally Generated Category Winner: Marice McIntyre, Master's in History
• Research Based Category Winner: Justin Nichol, PhD in Biological Sciences
• Artificial Intelligence Category Winner: Sajedeh Hosseini, PhD in Education
• Photographic, Analog or Illustration Category Winner: Jasmine Veitch, PhD in Veterinary Medicine
• People’s Choice Award and Honourable Mention: Hannah Wygiera, PhD in History
• Honourable Mention: Iheoma Joakin-Uzomba, Master's in English
• Honourable Mention: Sangwook Ahn, PhD in Veterinary Medicine
• Honourable Mention: Clara Xi, Master's in Computer Science

Snapping insights and sharing advice for future competitors

For many participants, the Images of Research competition was more than just a chance to showcase their work — it was an opportunity to refine their research communication skills in a creative way. Translating complex ideas into a single image required them to think beyond academic writing and embrace new methods of engagement.

“This competition pushed me to distill the essence of my research into a single frame,” said Sajedeh Hosseini, a second-year PhD student in Educational Research: Language and Literacy. “With AI, we can move beyond words and express our work through the universal language of imagery.” The experience helped her explore new ways to communicate research that is deeply personal and deeply complex.

History doesn’t have to be confined to articles and books, according to first-year history master’s student Marice McIntyre. “Through art and visualization, we can connect emotionally with the past in a way that traditional formats don’t always allow,” she said. Overcoming self-doubt was a major part of her journey in the competition. “I genuinely believed I would fail, yet I won. Sometimes, your work is worth more than you realize.”

Making a highly technical subject accessible was a key challenge for Justin Nichol, a fifth-year PhD student in Plant Molecular and Developmental Biology. “Cellular and molecular plant biology can be difficult to explain to non-specialists,” he said. “This competition helped me find creative ways to make my research understandable without oversimplifying its complexity.” He encouraged future participants to embrace the challenge of presenting research in non-traditional ways. “Science is an art. Find creative ways to share your research with others.”

“The challenge was translating what I saw in the image into words that a broad audience could understand,” reflected Hannah Wygiera, a second-year PhD student in history. “But it was such a great opportunity to reimagine my research and see it in a new light.” Her advice to future participants? “Let the image inspire you. Don’t be afraid to approach your research from a creative perspective.”

A future bright with visual storytelling

The 2024-25 Images of Research competition was a testament to the power of visual storytelling in academia. Participants not only honed their ability to communicate complex ideas but also gained new perspectives on their own work. Through creativity and self-reflection, they explored innovative ways to engage audiences beyond traditional academic settings. As the competition continues to grow, it remains an inspiring platform for graduate students to push the boundaries of research communication and share their discoveries in ways that captivate and inform.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies extends its congratulations to all the 2024-25 Images of Research winners and thanks all participants for being a part of this year’s competition. See the full gallery of winning submissions over the years.