2024 Quantum Shorts Contest

Welcome to the 2024 Quantum Shorts Contest! In celebration of World Quantum Day (April 14) we invite you to submit a short video explaining a quantum science topic of your choosing. Whether you're a budding physicist, an aspiring science communicator, or simply curious about the quantum world, this is not only an opportunity to showcase your scientific and creative talent, but it's also a chance to win an exciting trip to visit Harvard's cutting-edge quantum research facilities! 

Eligibility

The contest is open to anyone with a passion for quantum science, regardless of background or experience. 

Even if this is your first time hearing about quantum science, we want you to participate! To get you started, we've written a few introductory articles on fundamental quantum science topics in our Quantum Explainers Series.

Seeking inspiration?

Check out an sample video created by HQI Blog contributor Haley Nguyen! Note that you do not have to follow this format (see Contest Details below) and the topic of this video is somewhat advanced.

Winner Selection & Prizes

The HQI Blog team will collaborate with the popular YouTube channels MinuteEarth and MinutePhysics to evaluate entries. All finalists will have their videos featured on the HQI Blog website and receive some special Harvard quantum merchandise.

Submissions will be categorized based on the participant's academic level. Up to five secondary school (grades 8-12) or undergraduate finalists will be sponsored to visit Harvard University to explore our quantum research facilities, engage with leading researchers in the field, and gain insights into careers in academia!**

*Minors: for finalists under 18 years of age, HQI Blog will sponsor both the finalist and one guardian to travel to Harvard.

**International: finalists outside of the United States are eligible to travel to Harvard as long as a visa (if required) can be secured. 

Contest Details

Submission Format: Entries must be submitted to our Google Form as a link to a YouTube video. For those without access to YouTube, submissions may be emailed. The video must be public or unlisted so that judges may access it. Please submit entries individually (i.e. not as a group).

Video Length: Videos must not exceed 1.5 minutes in duration.

Language: All submissions must be in English.

Deadline: May 14, 2024, 11:59 PM EST. 

Need a few more days? Late submissions will be accepted until May 28, 2024 11:59 EST.

Video Topics (check out our Quantum Explainers Series on each of these topics): 

• Superposition

• Entanglement

• Quantization

• Wave functions

• Uncertainty principle

• Quantum tunneling

• Quantum computing

• Quantum simulation

• Quantum teleportation 

• Quantum cryptography

• Or, choose a quantum science topic of your own! 

Judging Guidelines

There are no strict requirements for the style or structure of your submission. For example, you could explain a quantum science topic in your own words or talk about an interesting example/application of a quantum principle. The video can be a recording, an animation, serious in tone, humorous, etc. Whatever you decide to do, here are some things to keep in mind when creating an engaging and accessible scientific video:

Clarity:

• Make sure that your explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow. Aim to communicate complex concepts in a way that is accessible to a broad audience, including those without a broad background in science.

  • Minimize the use of technical jargon or elaborate mathematical equations. Aim for a balance between accuracy and simplicity to make the content accessible to a general audience.

Engagement & Creativity:

• Capture the viewer's attention by making your video visually interesting. Will you make an animated video? A white board stop-motion video? These are just a few stylistic possibilities. Consider incorporating interesting visuals to help you explain your chosen topic and keep your viewers engaged.

• Feel free to infuse creativity into your video! Whether it's through storytelling, analogies, or visual metaphors, find interesting ways to convey your chosen quantum science topic.

Stay Within Time Limits:

• Keep your video within the specified time limit (1.5 minutes or less). Focus on delivering key information without overwhelming the audience with excessive details.

Cite Sources if Needed:

• If you draw inspiration or information from external sources, be sure to give proper credit. Include references or citations in the video description or within the video itself.

Submissions

Submit your video to this Google Form.

Important Dates

April 14: Contest announcement and open for submissions

May 28: Submission deadline

June 18: Winners and finalists announced

August 15: Tentative travel date for select finalists

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at blog.hqi@gmail.com. Happy creating!