INTRODUCTION—Each year, Science Magazine and the National Science Foundation host the International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge. The 2011 Challenge received over 200 submissions in five categories, which were evaluated based on visual impact, effective communication of a scientific idea, and overall originality. Visualizations with the most votes from the public received the People's Choice award. More >>
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Photographers in this year's competition froze time and zoomed in to extraordinary magnifications to bring the borders of scientific exploration a little closer for everyone. Read Article >>
Illustrations take us to places we can't visit with a microscope or telescope, like a raging battle between breast cancer cells and antibodies or the landscape of relationships between complex numbers. Read Article >>
There was no award for 1st place in this category.
Informational graphics rely on the interplay of visuals and text to convey complex ideas such as the origin of galaxies and the structure and function of the Ebola virus. Read Article >>
Games as teaching tools have long been a pedagogical standard, but this year's entries take interactive learning to a new level with programs like Foldit, where players fold proteins for fun while contributing to new scientific research. Read Article >>
The use of sound, motion, and drama make video a powerful explanatory tool. In this year's competition, videos enlivened the stories of the organization of cells, self-assembling molecules, and the diversity of animals called "jellyfish." Read Article >>
In association with the National Science Foundation