Beaker Street Science Photography Prize Opens for 2026

Presented as part of the annual Beaker Street Festival, the prize celebrates images that reveal how science shapes our understanding of the world, from the microscopic to the monumental. Finalist works will be exhibited this August at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in nipaluna / Hobart, forming a key part of the festival program.

For the first time, the prize has expanded to welcome entries from photographers across Australia, opening the door to a broader range of perspectives while maintaining a strong connection to place. All images must be captured within lutruwita / Tasmania or the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, regions rich with scientific discovery and environmental significance.

Open to all levels of experience, from emerging photographers through to established professionals, the prize invites work that sparks curiosity or encourages a closer look at the natural world. Entries can span a wide range of subjects, from scientific research and fieldwork to natural phenomena and moments that intersect art and science.

Importantly, the prize remains grounded in authenticity, with only real-world photography accepted. AI-generated imagery is not eligible.

This year’s judging panel brings together a mix of scientific and creative expertise, including astrophysicist and science communicator Kirsten Banks and award-winning photographer Marley Butler. They are joined by returning scientific editor Simon Grove, ensuring entries are considered through both artistic and scientific lenses.

With entries closing on 29 April 2026, the prize offers a timely opportunity to capture and share the stories unfolding across Southern Tasmania and beyond, from rugged coastlines and night skies to the intricate details often missed at first glance.