Vizgen^® MERSCOPE^® Data Image Calendar Contest Rules

Term:
Vizgen’s Data Image Calendar Contest (the “Contest”) begins Friday, November 17, 2023, and ends Friday, December 15, 2023, at 5 PM Eastern Standard Time. By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest and states that the entrant is 18 years old or older.

Who may enter:
The Contest is open to researchers associated with institutions with a MERSCOPE^® instrument on-site or have completed a Vizgen Lab Services Project.  Individuals affiliated with Vizgen, including employees, are not eligible for any prize. Vizgen will determine winners’ eligibility in its sole discretion.

What to enter:
To be eligible for inclusion in Vizgen’s 2024 Data Image Calendar, a data image must have been captured by the entrant. The entrant certifies that the entrant’s sponsoring institution is the sole creator and copyright owner of the submitted data image, and that entrant is in compliance with the entrant’s institutional rules by submitting the image to Vizgen.

The data image must be 100 MB or less in size and in a .PNG file format.  

If the data image does not conform to the above rules, Vizgen in its sole discretion reserves the right to disqualify the submission.

How to Enter:
Please submit data images and requested information online through our website at https://info.vizgen.com/2024-merscope-data-image-calendar-contest. You may submit up to three (3) data images. You must complete a separate entry form for each photo submitted.
Vizgen may collect a data image’s metadata upon entry.

Your institution retains its rights to your data image; however, by entering the contest, you grant Vizgen (and those authorized by Vizgen) a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion of Vizgen and its website, exhibition, and commercial products (this includes any sales of products utilizing the data image), including but not limited to Vizgen publications. Any data image reproduced will include a data imager credit as feasible. Vizgen will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses.

Use of your personal data:
Participation in the contest requires the collection of your name, institution, and email address. By entering this contest, you are consenting to the use of your name and email address for further communications regarding this contest. 

Judging
Photo entries will be judged based on novelty. quality, educational value, and visual impact, and in Vizgen’s sole judgment.
Vizgen will select twelve (12) data images for its 2024 Calendar, one for each month of the year. Additional images may be selected for other Calendar features.
Vizgen will notify winners via the contact information provided at the time of entry; Vizgen may disqualify anyone who fails to respond to the notification within five business days.

Prizes:
Twelve images will be selected for inclusion in Vizgen’s 2024 Data Image Calendar.

Online Features:
Vizgen may select photos for highlight on its website or display in a publicly accessible contest archive. Such selections will be made in Vizgen’s sole discretion.

Conditions of Entry:
All entrants hold Vizgen and its respective directors, officers, and employees (the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from and against all claims of any nature arising in connection with entrant’s participation in the contest and acceptance for publication. The Indemnified Parties are not liable for any costs, damages, injuries, or other claims incurred because of entrants’ participation in the contest or winner’s acceptance and usage of a prize. The Indemnified Parties are not responsible for incomplete or misdirected entries, technical or network malfunctions or failures, or causes beyond their control. Entrants are solely responsible for their entries. Entrants may not submit materials that introduce any software viruses, worms or other programs designed to damage software, hardware or telecommunications equipment.

The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Vizgen reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. In the event of a dispute regarding the winners, Vizgen reserves the right to award or not award the prizes in its sole discretion. Vizgen reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose entry or conduct appears in any way to: tamper with the competition; violate these rules or other applicable law or regulation; or infringe on the rights of third parties. Decisions of Vizgen are final and binding.