Application Instructions

The Application

Follow the submission link on . You will need your @ilstu email and password to log-in.

Your submission will consist of:

1. Completed application form (on InfoReady Application site).
2. One high-resolution digital image that meets the following technical criteria.
   • Maximum file size of 50 MB
   • Minimum resolution of 300 ppi
   • Image must be at least 10 inches on the longest end
   • Image must be in TIFF, JPEG, or JPEG2 format
   For help formatting your image, contact studentresearch@IllinoisState.edu.
   The application form will ask for an Alt text (alternative text) description of your image. This text describes the image for those who are unable to view it, such as individuals using screen readers. The Alt text must be clear and concise (max. 125 characters).
3. A brief abstract (150 words maximum). The abstract should convey the question your research addresses and how the image captures or reflects your research question, process, or findings. The abstract must be written for a general audience (jargon-free) and should clearly communicate the connection between your image and your research/creative scholarship.
   Ask your mentor to proof-read your submission—writing counts!
   Your abstract may be edited for grammar and clarity before it goes to judges.
4. Approval from a faculty mentor or sponsor. Once you have completed your submission, the faculty member will be contacted for approval.
5. Affirmation that you are principal creator and owner of the image, or that you have the right to use the imagery.
   If the image is not of your own creation, you may be able to use it, please send an email to the Office of Student Research (studentresearch@IllinoisState.edu) and we will help you determine whether the imagery falls under “fair use” for the IoR Competition or what steps you need to take to acquire rights. If your submission contains imagery or material that you took from another source (i.e., “third-party content”), you must provide evidence you have the right to use the material. If the image you submit contains third-party content, it might still be allowed if it has been altered and mixed with other content to form an original creation (e.g, in a collage for example). Submission of an unaltered third-party image is not permitted. Any use of images or materials that are under copyright by a third party must either fall under fair use or the entrant must obtain the relevant permissions and signed release forms. If you use third party content, or are unsure, you must discuss your submission with OSR before it is accepted.
6. Confirmation about the use Generative AI in the creation of the image.
   Generative AI is a potentially powerful research tool. If you used Generative AI to create all or part of your image, please cite 1) the tool you used; 2) the prompts and processes used to generate it, 3) your rationale for using it. This text, or part of it, will be appended to your abstract.
   For further information, see Illinois State’s Recommendations on the Use of Generative AI in Research and Scholarly Activity.
7. Confirmation about the permission to portray identifiable individuals. If the submission portrays identifiable individuals, the applicant must secure appropriate permissions. Please use Photo Release Forms available on the University Marketing website (Release forms also available in Spanish).