UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 15th annual Materials Visualization Competition (MVC15) is now accepting submissions. The deadline for submissions is March 15.

The event is an annual scientific and artistic visual competition sponsored by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Materials Research Institute at Penn State.

MVC15 celebrates the quality of research in materials at Penn State, while increasing awareness of materials science through the creativity and visualization of the University's researchers.

Entry is open to all current Penn State undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and staff working on materials-related topics.

Judges will select winners in four categories: best of show, visual appeal, computational rendering and scientific imaging. Monetary prizes totaling $1,700 will be awarded by a panel of judges who are professionals in materials and/or the arts.

The public will choose the People’s Choice Award winner from all entries, which will be available online to view and vote on electronically from March 18 through March 25. The image that receives the most votes will receive a $100 prize.

Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, March 15. Full details regarding image submission, participation guidelines and awards can be found at http://www.matse.psu.edu/mvc.