January 19 – 23, 2026
Breakerspace Microscope Image Contest IAP 2026
MIT undergraduates: Capture your best Breakerspace microscope images and compete for cash prizes, including awards for runners-up and first-time users. Submit January 19–23.
Microscope imagery is central to the Breakerspace’s educational mission. This IAP, we invite undergraduates across MIT to tap into their curiosity, create stunning images using Breakerspace equipment, and compete for prizes.
Never used a microscope before? No problem—sign up for quick Breakerspace training and start capturing images immediately.
Categories
- Best Optical Microscope Image: Artistic or beautiful images captured with the Breakerspace digital optical microscope.
- Best Electron Microscope Image: Artistic or beautiful images captured with a scanning electron microscope in the Breakerspace.
Winners in each category will receive $100, with additional awards for runners-up and first-time Breakerspace users.
Judging Criteria
A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on the following:
- Technical merit: Clarity, focus, depth of field, contrast, and spatial resolution.
- Artistic merit: Composition, symmetry, and visual impact.
- Context: Captions should explain the image’s relevance or background clearly.
How to Enter
- Sign up for Breakerspace lab training. (If you’ve trained, you’re one step ahead!)
- Capture your optical or scanning electron microscope images in the Breakerspace.
- Submit your entry January 19-23.
Rules
- Open to currently enrolled MIT undergraduate students only.
- Images must be captured using the microscopes in the DMSE Breakerspace (8-102a).
- One submission per category per entrant; each winner eligible for only one prize.
Submission Period & Winners
- Submissions accepted January 19-23. Early submissions welcome.
- Winners will be announced during the last week of IAP (January 26-30).