The 22nd annual ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2027) has opened the call for submissions for its Student Design Competition (SDC), inviting student teams from around the world to present original human-robot interaction design work to an audience of researchers, practitioners, and judges. The competition, which will be held in Santa Clara, California, USA, during the conference from 8–12 March 2027, is themed “Robots in Public Spaces“. The goal of the SDC is to showcase design thinking in HRI: the quality of the interaction design, the clarity of the rationale behind design decisions, and serious engagement with the realities of deploying robots among people.

Read more about HRI 2027 Student Competition: Robots in Public Spaces on Contest Watchers.

Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability invites students around the world to join the 2026-27 season of The Global Sustainability Challenge. The Global Sustainability Challenge, led by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and leading institutions worldwide, invites university students to develop bold solutions in Sustainable Energy and Adaptation & Resilience. Winners receive cash prizes, global recognition, and an exclusive invitation to Stanford’s EcoGlobal program.

Read more about Global Sustainability Challenge 2026-27 on Contest Watchers.

The 2026 Nandagang International Wetland Photo Contest invites photographers worldwide to tell stories of wetland conservation and renewal. The contest invites photographers from around the world. It seeks photographs and short videos on wetlands, migratory birds and the coexistence of people and nature under the theme “Together for Wetlands”. The best works will be awarded with cash prizes up to $1,500. The prize program includes a grand prize, ranked prizes in each category and special recognition awards.

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The Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced the 2nd Global Healthcare Advertising Awards (GHAA), in cooperation with Korea Health Industry Development Institute. The competition invites domestic and international medical institutions, related organizations, travel agencies, production companies, creators and individuals or groups of any kind from around the world. It seeks video and visual advertising work on healthcare and medical services. A total of 10 awards will be presented. Winners will receive trophies and additional prizes, alongside invitations, exhibition opportunities and promotional support through Medical Korea 2027.

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The Aftermath Project has opened its 2026 Post-Conflict Grant. The annual grant supports still-photography projects on the aftermath of conflict. The call is open to working photographers working on post-conflict issues anywhere in the world. One winner will be awarded The Aftermath Project’s $25,000 grant. In addition, four finalists will also be announced.

Read more about The Aftermath Project 2026 Post-Conflict Grant on Contest Watchers.

The Stanford Center on Longevity invites university students from around the world to compete in the 2026-2027 Longevity Design Challenge, on the theme “Human-Centered Robotics for Longevity”. For its fourteenth year, the design theme, “Human-Centered Robotics for Longevity,” explores how robotics can support longer lives while strengthening, rather than replacing, the relationships and communities that make those lives worth living. Top winners receive cash prizes of $10,000 (1st place), $5,000 (2nd place), $2,000 (3rd place). Finalists receive a $1,000 cash prize and mentorship from industry experts and researchers.

Read more about Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge 2026-2027 on Contest Watchers.

The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards have officially opened for entries for their 2027 edition. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their short films for free. Now in their fifth year, the Awards continue to grow, offering emerging filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage, build industry connections and develop their craft through an exclusive industry program.

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UNESCO, in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) and with the financial support of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has opened an international, single-stage architectural design competition to select a winning design for the Construction of a Protective Shelter over Trench I at the Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan Archaeological Site in the State of Palestine. Тhe competition is an international open call conducted in open procedure and endorsed by the International Union of Architects (UIA), inviting submissions from architects and engineers worldwide. Three selected projects will be awarded financial prizes and the winner receives the contract for the development of the detailed design.

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Now in its 8th year, the FOTOAWARD international non-profit photography contest is calling for submissions for 2026. FOTOAWARD is about quality, not quantity. Participation is by invitation only, after a preliminary review of sample works, photography websites, or Instagram portfolios. The quality of FOTOAWARD speaks for itself through the winning photographs. Winners are selected by the most renowned, award-winning photographers whose credits include multiple World Press Photo awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year wins (including a WPY Grand Prize), National Geographic assignments, and the Order of Canada.

Read more about FOTOAWARD 2026 – International Photography Contest on Contest Watchers.

The 14th PHODAR Biennial invites photographers worldwide to submit their work on the theme “Traces Remain”. Founded in Bulgaria in 1999, PHODAR celebrates contemporary photography through its international competition, exhibitions, and publications. Its focus is the photographic series, encouraging projects that combine a distinctive visual language with depth of meaning. Awards include the Grand Prize, Debut Award, and Award for Humanistic Photography.

Read more about 14th PHODAR Biennial Series Awards: Traces Remain on Contest Watchers.