04/09/2026
Chemistry isn’t just balancing equations and fiddling with pipettes. You need creativity. From developing your methodology to communicating your findings, creative skills form the backbone of the scientific process. It’s what makes jobs like scientific communication and education possible.
Modern science curricula focus on analytical skills; interpreting large datasets and identifying trends in simulations are key. But as AI tools have grown more sophisticated in analysing data, it’s more important than ever to have someone who can understand and curate results.
But there’s not a lot of space to practice these creative skills in the laboratory today. That’s where RACI’s International Chemistry and Art Competition (ICAAC) comes in.
As part of the ICAAC, students create a handmade artwork based around a chemistry-focused theme. Then once finished, they submit their entries along with a short caption.
The best entries are shortlisted and sent across to a panel of scientists & illustrators for judging. Each entry is assessed for messaging, technique, theming, and authorial statement. Then, one winner is selected for each of the four age brackets, along with group works and the people’s choice.
The winning artists receive a prize of $500. Every shortlisted entry will be given a space in a virtual gallery hosted on RACI’s website.
Entries close October 1st. Entry is free for all students aged 5 – 19. This year’s theme is Chemistry powering our planet.
So if you know a student more interested in drawing scientific diagrams than making tables, let them know that ICAAC is taking entries at the link below!
With thanks to The Notaras Family for supporting this initiative.
More info here: bit.ly/4zWPxur
