Image of Research Competition

Join us for the 7th Annual Image of Research Exhibit and Reception!

Exhibit: Thursday, February 5 (9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at the University Galleries
Reception: Thursday, February 5 (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), awards presented at 5:15

Free and Open to the Public. Come vote in the People's Choice Competition!

2026 Competition Guidelines

See all of the Finalists from previous years in the Milner Library's Image of Research Digital Exhibit

About the Image of Research at Illinois State University

Each year the Office of Student Research hosts the Image of Research at Illinois State Competition. Graduate and undergraduate students from across campus are invited to submit one static image of their research, innovation, or creative inquiry, along with a short abstract that explains the image and its connection to their project. Entries are then evaluated by professional artists and creatives who judge the submissions for visual impact, uniqueness, and clarity of connection between image, text, and project.

Finalists have their entries printed in large format and participate in the Image of Research Exhibition at University Galleries where the public is invited to vote for their favorite for the People's Choice Award. Winners earn cash prizes and go on to be displayed in venues across campus.

All finalists are included in the online exhibit via Milner Library and Illinois State's Institutional Repository, ISU ReD

Questions about your submission?

We can help! Contact Gina Hunter (glhunt2@ilstu.edu) or Lynne Higgins (isu_echiggi@ilstu.edu)

Undergraduate Student Awards
- 1st Place: $200
- 2nd Place: $150
- Honorable Mention(s): $50
- People's Choice: $100
Graduate Student Awards
- 1st Place: $200
- 2nd Place: $150
- Honorable Mention(s): $50
- People's Choice: $100

Submit Application

Sponsored by the Office of Student Research, Milner Library, and University Galleries.