AFTER LAST YEAR’S SUCCESSFUL PHOTO EXHIBITIONS AND OUR FIRST PLACE IN THE NATIONAL BIOBLITZ #HOGERONDERWIJSBLOEIT 2025, WE INVITE YOU TO CAPTURE THE BIODIVERSITY OF OUR CAMPUS ONCE AGAIN.
This achievement shows the growing interest in the nature around us. Share your unique perspective on biodiversity and inspire others with your photography! This time, the photos will be displayed in the large exhibition space in the Vrijhof. Photos from the first and second exhibitions will also be on display again.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for your most beautiful photos capturing nature on the University of Twente campus. This time, we also encourage you to explore less obvious perspectives. Take a look under a stone, explore below ground, or capture an image from a unique angle. Think of colourful flowers, special insects, birds, or unexpected encounters in nature. Show how rich and surprising life on our campus really is!
Photo: Rolf de By, Wapendrager (moth)
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Complete the entry form and submit your photos before 20 July 2026. Let your work shine in this third edition of ‘Nature in Focus’ and celebrate the impressive biodiversity of our campus with us!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Submissions: until 20 July (maximum 8 photos per person)
- Exhibition period: 17 September – 26 November 2026
- Photo information: name (optional), title, and date the photo was taken
Photo: Wim Bakker - Vederdistelgalboorvlieg
RULES
- Each participant may upload a maximum of eight digital photos (colour or black & white);
- Photos must be taken on the University of Twente campus;
- Photos must be submitted digitally as .jpeg files (maximum size 150 MB);
- Photos may not be artistically edited; creative filters are not allowed;
- By participating, you grant the University of Twente the right to use your photos in its media, publications, and display them in UT buildings;
- Photos must respect nature and must not disturb it;
- If more submissions are received than can be printed, a selection will be made;
- Submitted photos cannot be withdrawn and will not be returned.
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CODE OF CONDUCT
To minimize disturbance to nature, we ask you to follow the Natuurmonumenten guidelines:
- Do not capture or disturb animals
- Photograph animals and plants only in their natural habitat
- Do not offer food specifically for photography purposes
- Only photograph nests if this does not disturb the animals
- Keep an appropriate distance when photographing
- Be a responsible visitor and do not damage nature
- Do not enter restricted areas
- Do not leave any waste behind
ENTRY FORM
Feeling inspired? Use the entry form below to submit your best photos. Who knows—your work might be featured in the exhibition. Good luck!
Entry form: Photo Exhibition ‘Nature in Focus’ #3
BIODIVERSITY AT UT
Strengthening biodiversity on our campus is one of the sustainability goals of the University of Twente. By improving monitoring, we gain broader knowledge of campus biodiversity, helping us make informed decisions to support it. In 2024, we launched an annual Biodiversity Challenge (formerly Bioblitz). Everyone can help monitor species using the ObsIdentify app. We organize various activities to raise awareness about biodiversity, such as birdwatching and dragonfly spotting. A biodiversity council has been established, where Campus & Facility Management (CFM) collaborates with biodiversity enthusiasts to explore how maintenance can contribute to better habitats. Additionally, thanks to a Climate Centre grant, we are working on making data about green maintenance and biodiversity accessible for research and education.
Want to learn more about sustainability at UT? Visit: utwente.nl/sustainability
