In Photos: 2026 UChicago Core Photo Contest

The College once again gave undergraduates the chance to showcase the Core curriculum through their lenses with their second annual UChicago Core Photo Contest. After receiving dozens of submissions, the winners of this year's competition have been announced.   

Submissions were accepted in four different categories: "Core in the Classroom", "Core on Campus", "Core in the City" and "Core in the World." The wide range of photos were taken in cities across the globe and featured looks under the microscope, glimpses of every day life overseas and various interpretations of what being able to experience the Core in action means to each photographer. 

The winning photos, which can be seen below, will be displayed on campus throughout the 2026-27 academic year. 

Core in the Classroom

Winner: "Solar Eclipse"

Runner-up: "What is Woodlawn's Policy on Hermit Crabs as Pets?"

Core on Campus

Winner: "The Core in the Collective Ritual"

Runner-up: "After my physics class"

Core in the City

Winner: "The Moon Doesn't Know It's Being Watched"

Runner-up: "Truth in the Reflection"

Core in the World

Winner: "The Leviathan in Stone" 

Runners-up (tie): "Floating Market" & "Terracotta Army Mural"

Honorable Mentions