Regulations for the Third “Medics at Work 2025” Photo Contest

1.1Organizer and Theme
The III All-Russian Photo Contest “Medics at Work,” with international participation, is hosted by the Russian Research Institute of Health (former known as Central Research Institute for Organization and Informatization of Healthcare (FSBI “TsNIIOIZ”) of the Russian Ministry of Health, and supported by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. This year’s contest is dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.
1.2 Purpose
The contest aims to celebrate and elevate the medical profession, boost the public’s appreciation for healthcare workers, spotlight the critical role of medical care, and cultivate a positive image of medics.
1.3 Objectives

• Showcase the daily work of medical professionals across various specialties.
• Foster public recognition of the dedication and skill of doctors, nurses, feldshers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Highlight medics’ vital role in protecting national health, especially during crises—conflicts, natural disasters, and epidemics.
• Encourage creative growth among young and future healthcare workers.
• Promote photography as an art form.

2.1  Eligibility
Open to Russian citizens and foreign nationals, aged 16 or older, who care about healthcare. No prior photography experience is required—you just need compelling images of medics at work.
2.2  Ineligibility
The Organizer and any Jury member may not submit entries.
2.3  Entry Limits
You may enter up to four categories, submitting a maximum of three photos per category (12 total). If you exceed this limit, organizers will select which images proceed.
2.4  Categories
Color and black-and-white images are welcome in these categories:
·         #WEWONTLEAVEANYONEBEHIND (Main)
Scenes of medics in the conflic zones, and support for soldiers and their families.
·         #Medic at Work
Original, engaging shots of healthcare staff on the job.
·         #Medical Dynasty
Multi-generational families in medicine.
·         #On Land, in the Air, and at Sea
Medical aid under extreme or unique conditions.
·         #Half-Century of Service
Veterans with over 40 years in healthcare.
·         #Patients, We Love You!
Heartfelt moments between patients and caregivers.
·         #Future Medics
Medical students in training.
·         #Medics of All Nations, Unite!
An international category for photographers worldwide.
2.5  Authorship & Rights
You must own the copyright to your submissions and ensure they don’t infringe on others’ rights. You’re fully responsible for any third-party claims, including copyright violations.
2.6  Model Releases
Anyone featured must know their photo may be published publicly (written or verbal consent). You alone assume liability for any failure to do so.
2.7  Date of Origin
Photos must be shot on or after January 1, 2020, never previously entered in contests or exhibited publicly.
2.8  Usage Rights
By entering, you grant the organizers and partners the right to use your photos, name, and surname publicly—without additional consent or payment—during and after the contest.
2.9  Organizer’s Rights
The Organizer may publish entries on its website, store them, and use them in print or promotional materials.
2.10 Amendments
The organizers may update these rules at any time, unilaterally.

3.1  Submission Details
Each photo must include:

• A unique title (not the category name)
• A description (at least 350 characters)
• Author’s name, occupation, and contact info

3.2  File Specs
Format: JPEG or PNG
Minimum dimensions: 1,500 px on the longest side
File size: 2 MB–10 MB
3.3  Allowed Editing
Minor retouching (exposure, contrast, saturation, sharpness, B&W conversion, white balance)
Removal of stray objects
Cropping (no upscaling)
Scanning chemical-process prints
HDR, exposure bracketing, focus stacking, panorama stitching
3.4  Prohibited Manipulations
Collages or montages (adding/removing/moving elements or backgrounds)
Watermarks, frames, or author stamps
3.5  AI-Generated Content
Strictly prohibited.
3.6 Disqualification
Entries failing to meet these requirements may be excluded at the organizers’ discretion.

4.1The Jury will evaluate entries on:

• Overall impact
• Originality of concept
• Composition
• Technical quality
• Artistic merit
• Uniqueness
• Emotional resonance

4.2 The Jury may withhold awards in any category if no submission meets the standards.

5.1  Submission Period: July 16 – September 30, 2025 (inclusive) via https://photo.mednet.ru/
5.2  Winners of the Contest are selected by a vote of the Jury, which is made up of representatives from the Russian Ministry of Health and experts from the professional photography community.
5.3  Jury Voting: October 1 – November 1, 2025
5.4  Awards: Winners in each category receive diplomas and commemorative prizes.
5.5  Exhibition: Select works will be displayed in a public exhibition (details TBD).
5.6  Special Prizes: The Jury may introduce additional awards or categories at its discretion.