Welcome to the 2025 Quantum Shorts Contest! In celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, this year we’re turning our focus to the rich history of quantum mechanics. We invite you to submit a short video that explores a quantum science topic of your choice—especially those that highlight key moments, breakthroughs, or figures from the past. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your scientific insight and creative talent, while joining in a global celebration of quantum science. Plus, you could win an exciting trip to visit Harvard’s cutting-edge quantum research facilities!
The contest is open to anyone ages 14-19 interested in 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 our Get Inspired! page and watch the videos from the 2024 finalists.
In 2024 we recieved over 200 submission from all over the world and finalists traveled from as far as the United Kingdom and Guatemala to visit Harvard!
Entires will be be evaluated by members of the HQI blog which compose of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff and faculty affiliated with the Harvard Quantum Initiative (HQI). Finalists will be invited to travel to Harvard to explore our quantum research facilities, engage with leading researchers in the field, and gain insights into careers in academia.
* Expenses: the HQI Blog will cover travel, accommodations, and meals for finalists.
** 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 provided a visa (if required) can be secured.
Due to limited resources, we are only able to invite a select group of finalists to visit Harvard in person. However, we deeply value the time and effort that all participants have invested in creating their video submissions. To recognize this, we are pleased to announce the launch of a Virtual Open House event, open to everyone who submits a video*.
While full details of the event are still being finalized, the agenda may include virtual lab tours, panel discussions with Harvard graduate students, and additional opportunities to engage with our community. Participants will have the option to register for the Virtual Open House through the video submission form.
The event will be held via Zoom in early September.
*To be eligible for the Virtual Open House, participants must meet all eligibility requirements for the Quantum Shorts Contest and submit a good-faith entry to the contest by the deadline of June 6, 2025.
Submission Format: Entries must be submitted as a link to a YouTube video. For those without access to YouTube, submissions may be emailed. The video must be public and unlisted so that judges may access it. Please submit entries individually (i.e. not as a group). To submit an entry, please navigate to the Submission Form page.
Video Length: Videos must not exceed 1.5 minutes (90 seconds) in duration.
Language: All submissions must be in English.
Deadline: June 6, 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
There are no strict requirements for the style nor 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 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.
April 14: Contest open for submissions
June 6: Submission deadline
August 25-26: Finalists travel to Harvard
Early September: Virtual Open House available to all participants!
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at blog.hqi@gmail.com. We look forward to your submissions!