Attention students: got 60 seconds to show how your research project is creating a better future for Canadians? You could win $5,000!
The National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is launching a new edition of its Science, Action! video contest for post-secondary students to help Canadians discover the impact of science and engineering. The contest opens on January 20, 2016.
What is Science, Action?
NSERC’s Science, Action! video contest challenges postsecondary students to film the people, research and innovations that are transforming the way Canadians live and work. The contest is your chance to help Canadians discover how science and engineering contributes to our understanding of the world and universe around us.
Eligibility
- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Science, Action! contest (the “Contest”) is open to residents of Canada who at the time of entry: (i) are students (undergraduate or graduate) enrolled at an NSERC eligible Canadian postsecondary institution and (ii) are eighteen (18) years of age or older (the “Contestants” or “Contestant”). The Contest is not open to postdoctoral fellows.
- Employees of NSERC, including immediate family members and/or those living in the same household (whether legally related or not) are not eligible. For purposes of the Contest, immediate family members are defined as spouse, domestic partner, parents, legal guardians, in-laws, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren.
More rules can be found here: Science Action Contest Rules
Tips for Creating a Great Video
- Focus – Pick one idea you want to explain to your audience. Ask yourself: What is the most important piece of information they should know about this research?
- Keep it simple – Cut the jargon. Use common language and analogies from everyday life. Remember: you’re making a video for Canadians, not your lab mates.
- Show and tell – If you speak too quickly, viewers will have trouble absorbing information. Instead, let your images do the talking. Find interesting ways to present your research subject with visuals and eliminate narration whenever possible.
- Make it relatable – Audiences are interested in topics that affect them personally. Find a way to show Canadians how science and engineering research will change their daily lives.
- Have fun – Create a video that shares your personality, enthusiasm and creativity. They are what will make your video unique and stand out from the crowd.
For examples of great videos, be sure to check out last year’s winning entries.
Contest opens January 20, 2016!