The 2010 winning entry "Children in Ghanzi" taken by Stephen McLoughlin in western Botswana
The 2010 winning entry "Children in Ghanzi" taken by Stephen McLoughlin in western Botswana
24 August 2011

Entries are now being received for the annual World in Focus photography competition hosted by UQ's School of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS).

Now in its third year, the popular contest has become a platform for showcasing outstanding images taken by UQ students and alumni around the world.

POLSIS engagement officer Gillian Ievers said the quality of entries each year was outstanding, with winning images capturing global issues, political events and cross-cultural experiences.

"Entries often enable others to view a different perspective on the world or interpret events, cultures and encounters," Ms Ievers said.

UQ Masters of International Studies graduate and former photojournalist David Kozar was runner up in last year's competition and said it was an opportunity to communicate both what he experienced as a photographer in Bosnia and what he studied as a student at UQ.

"The competition was a great avenue for me to show people how long the effects of violent conflict continue to affect a population," Mr Kozar said.

"I was able to use my photography to show that more than a decade after the violent conflict in Bosnia ended, there are still very deep physical, emotional and psychological wounds that need to heal."

Entries in The World in Focus competition will be judged both on the ability to represent a political, international or cross-cultural experience and on artistic merit. Entrants are also asked to include a brief description to describe what inspired the photograph.

All award winners will have the opportunity to have their work displayed at the St Lucia campus. Entries may also be featured in a variety of school publications and on the school website.

Entries close 30 September 2011. To download an entry form and view last year's entries, visit www.polsis.uq.edu.au/photography-competition

Media: Gillian Ievers (07 3365 3308, g.ievers@uq.edu.au) or Kristen Bastian (07 3346 9279, k.bastian@uq.edu.au)k.bastian@uq.edu.au