For more than 15 years, the Science as Art photo competition has been a beloved Faculty of Science tradition, celebrating the beauty of discovery through an annual calendar. Each year, the project transforms scientific moments into works of art—inviting us to see the world through a lens of wonder.
With more than 100 submissions from Dal Science students, alumni, faculty, and staff, the calendar finds its way into homes across our community. The images capture everything from life on land and sea to quiet moments in nature — each one revealing science in unexpected and inspiring ways.
The 2026 cover winning image Starry Night was captured by Michele (Wong) Thompson (BSc’88, DDS’92). A whimsical nod to Van Gogh, the photograph traces star trails around Polaris above an abandoned farmhouse in Grey County, Ontario. “It’s where time stands still and space whispers its endless story,” says Thompson.
Here’s a look at the 2026 featured calendar images:
January: Flag of the Sea by Zara Hemani
February: Beautiful but Unfortunate for Trees by Marjorie Bousfield
March: Where Light Meets Legend by Melanie (Purves) Regehr
April: The Flora Forager by Lauren Watt
May: pHydrangea by Autumn Meek
June: Fin Whales by David Gaspard
July: A Springtime Kaleidoscope Jelly by Matt Mar
August: American Lobster in Cranberry Cove by Léya Pierré
September: Fish Smoke House by Dylan Seidler
October: Lunar Eclipse by Dan Falk
November: Flowers for Life by Andrea Laltoo (BSc'04, Chemistry)
December: Fresh Morning by Katerina Miller
A limited number of 2026 Science As Art calendars are available for purchase for $20 in the Faculty of Science Dean’s Office. Proceeds directly support the Experiential Learning and Equipment Fund.
The 2027 Science As Art photo competition is now open. To learn more and to enter, visit dal.ca/science-as-art.