We are pleased to showcase the winners of the ISCN Biodiversity On Campus Photo Contest. The submissions presented a rich diversity of perspectives on campus biodiversity, highlighting the vital connection between nature and learning environments.
The value of this joint network activity extends beyond the exhibition itself. It has generated a rich dataset of biodiversity stories from campuses around the world and offers a strong basis for replication at individual universities. Existing templates and communication kits can be readily adapted to support local editions of the contest.
We extend our sincere thanks to ETH Zurich for their leadership in organising the contest and to our international jury for selecting the winning entries based on public voting, content, and originality. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated.
Winning Photographs
Adaptation in Plain Sight
Home Sweet Home
After the Fire
Nature's Recyclers
Parking Make-over Campus Coupure
Roots of Renewal-Restoring Life at the Water's Edge
The Midnight Guardian
Summer Dream
Pest...or Pal?
Autumn University
About the Contest
The idea behind the contest was simple yet meaningful: to raise awareness of the surrounding nature in everyday life, and to capture what we value most.
Participants across the ISCN community were invited to submit photographs capturing biodiversity in the context of their campus — including structures, plants, habitats, or living beings interacting with the built environment — along with a short description that brings the image to life. Together, these images and narratives form powerful stories that help us reflect, connect, and act collectively for a more resilient and biodiverse future.
Contest Highlights
The ISCN Biodiversity Photo Contest generated strong global engagement:
- 173 total submissions
- 1,563 public votes
- 62,694 views
Live Exhibition
The winning photographs were featured in a pop-up exhibition across all venues during the 2026 ISCN Conference hosted by the University of Cape Town on April 21-23, 2026, with a special highlight being the open-air display at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, set against the striking backdrop of Table Mountain. The exhibition brought together diverse perspectives from across the ISCN community, celebrating the role of campuses as living laboratories for biodiversity. See below featured photos from the displays at each conference venue.
UCT Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika
UCT Graduate School of Business
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
