Annapolis, MD – The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has recently announced the winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge. This international student art competition, which tasked young artists with exploring the critical theme of "Marine Keystone Species," saw top accolades awarded to Hyungjun Chin from the Republic of Korea and Gia Kim from Los Angeles, California.
Hyungjun Chin earned First Place in the 15–19 age group for his artwork titled "The Keeper," which vividly depicted a sea otter—a prime example of a marine keystone species. In the younger 11–14 age category, 12-year-old Gia Kim secured First Place with her piece, "Melting Grounds," focusing on krill, another vital component of ocean ecosystems. Both artists successfully captured the essence of the challenge, highlighting species crucial to the health and balance of marine environments.
The 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge attracted an impressive volume of submissions, with over 1,300 young artists aged 11–19 participating from 75 different countries. Participants were encouraged to showcase a range of marine keystone species, including sea otters, krill, corals, and sharks, through their creative interpretations. The competition aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for ocean conservation among the next generation.
Organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, the Science Without Borders® Challenge serves as a platform for students worldwide to engage with scientific themes through art, promoting awareness about pressing marine conservation issues. The recent announcement from Annapolis, MD, celebrates the artistic talent and environmental consciousness displayed by these young individuals, whose work contributes to the global dialogue on ocean health.