NUI Galway hosts cross border competition for young people to make science short video and win €1000 for their school or youth organisation

Tuesday 14 September 2021: A NASA astronaut is calling on budding scientists across Ireland to produce fun, short science videos for the innovative ReelLIFE SCIENCE cross border competition.

The best films from young people in primary and post-primary schools and youth groups and organisations will each win €1,000.

The videos can be up to 3 minutes and can communicate any aspect of the STEM subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, on one of eight topics - Climate Action, How Things Work, Myths Busted!, Science and Me, Science Heroes, Science in Space, Science on the Farm and Healing the Body.

NASA astronaut Colonel Greg “Box” Johnson is taking time out of his work at the US space agency to join the judging panel for ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2021.

"I'm honoured to join the judging team for this year's ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2021 video competition. What a fun way to get young people excited about the science that is happening around us in our daily lives,” Colonel Johnson said.

“Last year's winners were very interesting and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to this year's batch of science video creativity. Good luck scientists!"

Video entries can be in English or Irish and can be created on smartphones, tablets or cameras and the best productions will be shown at a public screening at the Galway Science and Technology Festival on 21st November 2021. The closing date for entries is Friday, 15 October 2021.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Science Foundation Ireland’s Director of Science for Society, said: “Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to support this initiative. The ReelLIFE Science competition helps to nurture young people’s ability to develop their critical thinking and communications skills. It also gives them the opportunity to explore the world of STEM by tapping into their creative side. I am really looking forward to seeing what the entrants come up with and wish all involved the best of luck.”

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme is organised by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of scientists from NUI Galway.

Since launching in 2013, more than 16,000 young people in 500 schools and youth organisations across Ireland have taken part.  

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme, the Community Knowledge Initiative, the CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices and the Cell EXPLORERS science outreach programme.

More information about taking part can be found at www.reellifescience.com.