The “EUM MONDO – Libri, luoghi e conoscenza aperta” cultural photography competition aims to promote photography as a form of artistic expression and to encourage reflection on the relationship between books, reading, libraries, places and the free circulation of knowledge, in line with the principles of Open Science and Open Access.

The competition is open to students, lecturers and staff at the University of Macerata, readers of EUM publications, and anyone interested in photography, books and the dissemination of knowledge. Entry is completely free of charge.

The competition is open to original photographic works. Each photograph must be entered into only one of the following categories:

•  “EUM in biblioteca” – Photographs taken in university, public, historical or specialist libraries, depicting reading, study, research or the sharing of knowledge;
• “EUM on the road” – Photographs taken in cities, landscapes, cultural sites, natural spaces or other significant settings, in Italy or abroad, depicting the circulation of books, ideas and knowledge.

Each photograph must feature either a printed EUM publication or an open-access digital EUM publication displayed on a device.

Entries must be submitted by email to info.ceum@unimc.it by 23.59 on Monday 16 November 2026.

The judging panel may select up to two photographs for each of the categories “EUM in biblioteca” and “EUM on the road”, for a total maximum of four entries.

Each winning entrant will receive a certificate of artistic and cultural merit; publication of the work on the institutional channels of EUM and the University of Macerata; the possible display of the work as part of exhibitions, events or other cultural initiatives; three volumes chosen from those available in the ‘Prolusioni’ series published by EUM – Edizioni Università di Macerata, dedicated to the publication of speeches delivered at academic ceremonies.

The award ceremony will take place during the celebrations marking EUM’s 20th anniversary, scheduled for December 2026.

For further information: info.ceum@unimc.it.

Read the Competition rules “EUM MONDO – Libri, luoghi e conoscenza aperta”