The Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 has officially opened for submissions, inviting photographers and biomedical image makers from around the world to participate in a competition that highlights the powerful intersections of health, science, and the human experience. This year, the contest emphasizes stories of resilience and hope, challenging participants to inspire meaningful conversations about some of the most pressing health challenges faced by humanity today. Open to professionals and amateurs alike, the prize seeks compelling narratives that delve into topics such as mental health, infectious disease, and the evolving impacts of climate on health.
This prestigious competition offers a substantial total prize pool of £52,000. The top entry in each category will be awarded £10,000, with additional prizes of £1,000 given to 22 runners-up. Beyond the monetary rewards, the prize also offers an invaluable opportunity for global recognition, with the top 25 entries displayed in a major public exhibition in London during the summer of 2025. The prize has consistently drawn international acclaim, providing participants with a platform to amplify their voices and showcase their work to diverse audiences.
With a deadline for submissions on 14 January 2025, the competition encourages photographers to capture the profound connections between health, science, and society. The process of entering is designed to be straightforward, with no entry fees required. Entrants can easily submit their work through Wellcome’s online platform, ensuring accessibility for participants from all backgrounds and levels of expertise.
The Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 is much more than a competition; it is a celebration of the art of storytelling through imagery. Whether highlighting the unseen intricacies of scientific research, documenting the impact of health crises, or exploring the resilience of communities facing mental health challenges, this contest invites photographers to make a difference with their vision. The combination of a prestigious reputation, significant prizes, and an inclusive submission process makes this competition a valuable opportunity for photographers to contribute to critical global discussions.
The Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 prizes
The Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 offers significant incentives to its participants, not only in monetary rewards but also through unparalleled opportunities for exposure and engagement.
- Category Winners will each receive £10,000, acknowledging the creativity, technical skill, and storytelling impact of their work.
- Runners-Up, comprising 22 additional entries, will be awarded £1,000 each.
- Public Exhibition: The top 25 entries will be showcased in a prominent exhibition in London during the summer of 2025, attended by a diverse audience, including industry experts and the general public.
These prizes highlight the competition’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue through impactful visual narratives. Winners and shortlisted entrants also gain opportunities to present their work at events and enjoy international media coverage, ensuring their contributions resonate far beyond the contest itself.
For those interested in discovering more opportunities, check out our list of photography competitions to explore similar contests around the world.
Themes and Categories of the Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
The competition is divided into three main categories, each with a unique perspective on the intersection of health and storytelling:
- Striking Solo Photography focuses on single images with the power to ignite conversations and inspire reflection on health-related topics.
- A Storytelling Series invites participants to delve deeper into their narratives by submitting a cohesive series of 3–5 photographs.
- The Marvels of Scientific and Medical Imaging celebrates the beauty and significance of scientific processes, capturing the intricate details of human health through advanced imaging techniques.
Each category encourages creativity and invites participants to explore their chosen theme with originality and depth, ensuring diverse perspectives across the competition.
Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 Photo Competition dates and entry fees
The Wellcome Photography Prize 2025 is free to enter, with submissions accepted exclusively through Wellcome’s online platform. Participants are encouraged to review the guidelines to ensure their entries meet the competition’s high standards.
Key dates include:
- 21 October 2024: Submissions open
- 14 January 2025: Final deadline for entries
- Summer 2025: Announcement of the top 25 entries and category winners
With a user-friendly submission process and no associated costs, the contest aims to encourage broad participation from photographers of all levels. We also invite you to discover other free photography competitions.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
