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Winners were announced on Tuesday 26 March for the national photo competition for 14-18 year olds, organised by the Economic and Social Research Council, called Better Lives.

The winners were divided across the five categories of the competition that explored important issues in the social sciences: Better Economy, Better Education, Better Environment, Better Health and Better Relationships.

There were more than 506 images submitted by students from 160 places in the UK and the entrants came from a range of schools and colleges.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held at Espacio gallery in London and the winning photographs will be displayed in a special exhibition at the gallery which will run between 27 and 31 March.

Annwen Butler-Chattell, 15, was awarded the top prize of £200 in vouchers and the Overall Winner trophy, as well as claiming a further £150 in vouchers and a trophy for winning the Better Relationships category. Her black-and-white photograph, Sandy Grins, shows her nephew and niece playing together in the sand at Lytham Beach.

Annwen says: “Every second and every aspect of a child's life is important. As a child grows, the relationships which they form shape and mould them into the person they become. The people they grow up with will have significant roles in their life – when these people are supportive, it will positively influence on the rest of the child's upbringing.”

The awards ceremony was hosted by Professor Paul Nightingale, Director of Strategy and Operations at ESRC.

He said: “The range of entrants to this year's ESRC Photo Competition was extremely impressive and I have enjoyed speaking with winners and runners up tonight. I was delighted to host tonight's ceremony, and the entrants to the competition have demonstrated how social science research touches so many aspects of life from the economy to the environment.”

There were five judges for the competition: Nick Stevens – ESRC Publisher; Sophie Batterbury – iNews Pictures Editor; Phil Coomes – BBC Pictures Editor; Joanne Gallagher – former winner and student at York University; and Professor Jane Falkingham – Professor of Demography and International Social Policy.

David Green, Head of Year at Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, Annwen's school, said: “The school is incredibly proud of Annwen for her fantastic achievement. Annwen is known as a very talented artist and photographer within the school, but it is brilliant that she has been recognised outside of school too. We always encourage pupils to challenge themselves in and out of school and so for Annwen to win this award is a great example of how individuals can follow their passions and explore their own ideas to display their talents.”

Social science research plays a vital role in society. From big ideas to the most detailed observations, social science affects all aspects of life - at work, in school or college and within communities. Social science makes people's lives better - it helps society to become enriched, healthier, more resilient and sustainable.