Translacore — Where Science Meets Art

International Poster Exhibition | Bologna, Italy | May 2026

About the Project

The International Poster Biennale Lublin, together with the Institute of Fine Arts at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (Department of Graphic Design and Planographic Printing) and the Institute of Biological Sciences at UMCS (Department of Molecular Biology), invite artists from around the world to participate in an open call for posters dedicated to the scientific research of the Translacore project.

„Translacore — Where Science Meets Art” is an initiative that translates complex molecular processes related to carcinogenesis into the language of visual artistic expression.

The project is developed within the framework of the international scientific consortium Translacore (www.translacore.eu), whose aim is to advance innovative oncological therapies. The research focuses on protein translation mechanisms and their role in the process of carcinogenesis — a subject that, whilst scientifically complex, holds extraordinary artistic potential.

Why Participate?

Prestigious Exhibition The exhibition will take place in May 2026 in Bologna — one of Italy’s most important cultural and artistic centres, a city renowned for its rich artistic and academic heritage. This international platform will provide your work with exceptional visibility amongst art critics, curators, scientists, and design enthusiasts from across Europe.

Theme

The inspiration for your posters is the Translacore project’s research into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. We are seeking interpretations of subjects such as:

Dynamics and plasticity of cellular processes
Molecular interactions and biochemical signals
Transformation and adaptation — from healthy to diseased cell
Hope and innovation in oncology
Beauty and complexity of life at the molecular level

We encourage exploration of the scientific as well as emotional, philosophical, and social dimensions of the theme.

Conditions of Participation

Artwork Specifications:

Orientation: portrait
Dimensions: 70 × 100 cm
Resolution: 180 dpi
Maximum file size: 10 MB
Accepted formats: PDF, TIFF, JPG (high quality)

Assessment Criteria: The jury, comprising renowned poster artists, staff from the Institute of Fine Arts, and scientists from the Institute of Biological Sciences at UMCS, will evaluate:

Creative approach to the theme — originality of concept and depth of interpretation of scientific data
Artistic expression — strength of visual communication, quality of execution, and mastery of craft
Synthesis of art and science — ability to translate complex biological processes into graphic language
Coherence of message — legibility and communicative effectiveness of the poster

Deadlines and Procedure

Submission period: 15 January – 31 March 2026
Announcement of results: 15 April 2026
Exhibition opening: 5 May 2026, Bologna

Partners and Organisers

Principal Organisers:

International Poster Biennale Lublin
Institute of Fine Arts, UMCS — Department of Graphic Design and Planographic Printing
Institute of Biological Sciences, UMCS — Department of Molecular Biology

Scientific Partner: