Second edition “Nature in Focus” photo exhibition

Building on the success of the first exhibition and our first place in the national Bioblitz #Hoger Onderwijs Bloeit 2025 – with more than 1,200 species observed – we invite you to once again capture the biodiversity of our campus. This achievement shows that there is growing interest in the nature around us. Share your unique perspective on biodiversity and inspire others with your photography!

What are we looking for?
We are looking for your most beautiful photos that capture nature on the University of Twente campus. Think colourful flowers, unusual insects, birds or unexpected encounters in the greenery. Show how rich and surprising life on our campus is!

^{Photo: Pyjama bug - Marja Horstman}

how to enter?

Fill in the entry form and submit your photos before 30 August 2025. Let your work shine in this second edition of “Nature in Focus” and celebrate the impressive biodiversity of our campus with us!

Practical information

• Submission deadline: August 30, 2025 (max. 8 photos per person)
• Exhibition period: 18 September - 3 November (six weeks)
• Photo information: Name (optional), title and date taken (required)

Contest guidelines

• Each participant may submit up to eight digital photos (color or black-and-white);
• Photos must be taken on the University of Twente campus;
• Digital photos must be submitted in .jpeg format (maximum size 150 MB);
• Artistic editing and creative filters are not permitted;
• By entering, you grant the University of Twente the right to use your photos in its media and publications, and they may also be displayed in UT buildings;
• Photos must respect nature and not disrupt the environment;
• If more images are submitted than can be printed, the SEE support group will make a selection of the photos to be published;
• Once submitted, photos cannot be withdrawn and will not be returned.

^{Photo: Marja Horstman}

Nature photography code of conduct

To minimize disruption to nature, we kindly ask participants to follow the photography guidelines recommended by Natuurmonumenten:

• Photograph animals and plants only in their natural habitats;
• Avoid capturing or disturbing animals;
• Do not feed animals for the purpose of photographing them;
• Only photograph nests if it does not disturb the animals;
• Maintain a respectful distance while photographing;
• Be a mindful guest and avoid damaging nature;
• Do not enter restricted areas;
• Leave no waste behind.

Entry form

Excited to join? Use the entry form below to submit your best photos. Your photos might be shining in our exhibition. Good luck!

Biodiversity at UT 

Strengthening biodiversity on our campus is one of our sustainability goals at the University of Twente. By improving monitoring, we gain knowledge about biodiversity on campus in general, which helps us decide on the best ways to support it. In 2024, we started the yearly Bioblitz, in which anyone can help monitor species via the app ObsIdentify. Several activities were organised to raise awareness of biodiversity (such as bird observation). A biodiversity council was established, where CFM (Campus & Facility Management) consult with biodiversity enthusiasts on how maintenance can contribute to an improved habitat for species. Furthermore, thanks to a Climate Centre grant, we are working on making data on green maintenance and biodiversity accessible for research and education. 

Would you like to find out more about sustainability at UT? Please go to utwente.nl/sustainability.