AFRL announces 2023 Basic Research Art of Science Showcase
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) — This year marks 71 years of basic research innovation supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s, or AFRL, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, or AFOSR.
AFRL/AFOSR will celebrate the importance of basic research again this year with the second annual AFRL Art of Science Showcase and a global call for submissions for this year’s showcase theme, “Everyone’s an Artist.”
AFRL/AFOSR has been at the forefront of incredible basic research contributions in science and technology for the Department of the Air Force and the nation. Incredible technology developments such as stealth technology, Global Positioning System, or GPS, the computer mouse, superplastic, infrared sensors, Nobel Award winning lithium batteries and many more have become available.
The Department of Defense defines basic research as the systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward processes or products. Basic research is farsighted high payoff research that provides the basis for technological progress.
AFRL/AFOSR has contributed greatly to AFRL’s mission to lead the discovery, development, and integration of technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces while successfully supporting AFRL/AFOSR’s mission to discover, shape, champion, and transition high risk basic research to profoundly impact the future Air and Space Force.
“There’s beauty behind the impactful and meaningful research conducted by our grantees, workforce and those influenced by basic research,” said Col. Janelle T.H. Jackson, AFRL/AFOSR Acting Director and Detachment 14 Commander. “This annual showcase allows us to celebrate, admire, appreciate and witness this scientific impact through an artistic lens.”
To honor AFRL/AFOSR’s 71 years of research innovation and to educate people around the world about the importance of basic research, AFRL and AFRL/AFOSR invite you to be part of the second annual Art of Science Showcase by submitting your basic research inspired art. AFRL/AFOSR’s goal is that submitted art will reveal the beauty behind many of the basic research inspired innovations past, present and future that continue to support the United States Air Force and Space Force.
We invite everyone around the world to submit their basic research inspired art. The link below will take you to the landing page where you can find instructions and inspiration.
Submit Your Art
To submit your basic research inspired art, visit AFResearchLab.com/ArtofScience. The submission acceptance window is from Aug. 7 – Sept. 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Eligibility
While all are invited to submit entries, it may be of special interest to artists, AFRL/AFOSR and AFRL grantees, educators, students, and members of the art and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) communities. This year we hope to see even more submissions from across AFRL and K-12 students.
If you’re K-12, here are some additional helpful submission instructions
The Art of Science showcase is an opportunity for students who are interested in science and engineering to share visualizations of their work. Art is a powerful tool that can be used to communicate the beauty, diversity and impact that science and engineering can have on the world around us. Consider sharing an image of a research project, a visualization of data you might have collected or a candid moment showcasing how science is art!
For inspiration, keep in mind that basic research is the foundation of all scientific and engineering discovery and progress. It is what leads to new inventions and concepts, many of which are revolutionary. Basic research is farsighted high payoff research that provides the basis for technological advances. It is the exploration for knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind.
Examples of potential submissions for K-12
- Any crafted artwork/drawing on a science-related topic of your choice
- Lab projects
- Images from science fair projects
- Data visualizations
NOTE: If you are under 18, your artwork must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
All submissions
If your artwork is part of a shared project, applicants must give credit to team members as well.
DISCLAIMER: This is a showcase, not a contest or competition. No voting, judging or winners are chosen. All qualified entries will be displayed in the AFRL/AFOSR virtual gallery, starting on Oct. 29, 2023 and entries will be highlighted weekly on AFRL/AFOSR social media channels with #AFResearchLab #AFOSRArt #ArtofScience #AoS23.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from basic to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.
About the AFRL/AFOSR
As a vital component of the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/AFOSR’s mission is to discover, shape, champion, and transition high risk basic research to profoundly impact the future United States Air and Space Force.