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COMPETITION OVERVIEW

The National Science Foundation invites entries, in the form of short videos (up to 3 minutes), showcasing all levels of NSF-supported work in the mathematical sciences in a way that is accessible and exciting to a broad audience. Entries will also include a brief, non-technical description of the project that is showcased in the video.

COMPETITION AIMS

The NSF We Are Mathematics Video Competition aims to showcase NSF-supported work in the mathematical sciences in a way that is accessible and exciting for an audience that may not otherwise consider pursuing advanced studies or careers in mathematics or may not understand what it means to do research in the mathematical sciences. It aims to bring mathematics to life in a way that can break down barriers for those who find the idea of advanced studies or research in the mathematical sciences to be daunting, and to excite young viewers in a way that can increase their interest in pursuing further studies or careers in the mathematical sciences.

ELIGIBILITY

Video entries can be submitted by anyone whose work in any area of the mathematical sciences has been or is currently being supported by NSF, including Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-PIs, Graduate Research Fellows, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, REU Site Coordinators, REU Site Students, Trainees (in an NSF-funded traineeship program), Scholars (in an NSF-funded scholarship program). Entries must be submitted by someone over the age of 18, and an NSF award number is required for submission. In the case of multi-year or multidimensional projects, more than one entry can be accepted for a particular award number.



Download and Print the Full Competition Information Here

For any questions about the competition, please contact we-are-mathematics@nsf.gov



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ENTRY GUIDELINES

Entries must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Video entries must showcase NSF-supported work in the mathematical sciences in a way that is creative, engaging, and accessible to a broad audience of varying ages and mathematical backgrounds.
  • Videos may not exceed 3 minutes and must be accompanied by a title and a brief description of the project showcased in the video (no more than 2500 characters). The description should include the project aims, ideas, and importance.
  • When preparing both the video and the project description, use of technical terminology and assumption of prior knowledge of mathematical concepts should be limited.
  • The NSF logo must be included in the video. Official logo options can be accessed at https://www.nsf.gov/policies/logos.jsp.
  • Videos must also include the standard NSF acknowledgement of support and disclaimer. Language can be accessed here: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappg18_1/pappg_11.jsp#XIE4.
  • Videos must be submitted in one of the following formats: avi, mov, wmv, and mp4.
  • Videos must not exceed 300 MB.
  • By submitting an entry, the contestant agrees that the video submission and synopsis can be reviewed by judges and made available for public viewing. Contestants must complete all required forms allowing NSF future use of videos for educational and promotional purposes.


Entry Submission

The competition will open on October 5, 2018 and remain open until the submission deadline. All entries must be submitted through the competition website.

Video entries must be uploaded to the competition website to one of the four submission levels (see below). In addition to the video, entries must include a title and a brief project description of no more than 2500 characters.

Entries can be submitted by an individual or by a team.

Entries must identify the NSF award number and program through which the project was funded.

Individuals: Register as a team leader and complete the registration information.

Teams: One team member registers as the team leader and then invites the other members to join. Teams can include up to 5 members (not including the PI) over the age of 18. Every team member must register by entering their information.

Anyone who registers as an individual or team member will automatically give NSF permission to use their name and likeness. This is clearly stated on the online registration page.

For entries submitted by someone other than the PI or Fellow associated with the award number, a PI Verification and Consent form must be uploaded and included with the entry.



Submission Levels

All entries must be submitted at one of the following levels for judging:

Level 1: K-12 or Undergraduate: Project work in the mathematical sciences carried out by K-12 or undergraduate students and/or K-12 teachers or informal STEM educators. Videos may feature students under the age of 18 but must be submitted by an individual over the age of 18 or teams with all members over the age of 18.

Level 2: Graduate: Project work in the mathematical sciences carried out by graduate students at any level, prior to earning a doctoral degree.

Level 3: Postdoctoral or Early Career: Project work in the mathematical sciences carried out by a postdoctoral fellow or a faculty, institute, or industry researcher having completed their doctoral studies no earlier than May 2013.

Level 4: Mid or Advanced Career: Project work in the mathematical sciences carried out by a faculty, institute, or industry researcher having completed their doctoral studies prior to May 2013.



Required Forms

Contestants must complete and upload the following forms with their entry:

  • NSF Form 1515 - One form per entry must be completed, signed, and uploaded with your final submission. Please check the box “NSF and External Use” to allow your video to be posted on the NSF website and social media.
  • PI Verification and Consent Form - Entries submitted by someone other than the PI or Fellow associated with the award number, must include a signed PI Verification and Consent form with the entry.
  • Participant Consent Forms - Must be included for anyone appearing in a video but not registering as a submitting individual or team member. Allows NSF to use the individual’s name and likeness. Parental consent is required for anyone appearing in the video who is under the age of 18.
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FORMS

Contestants must complete and upload the following forms with their entry:

  • NSF Form 1515 - One form per entry must be completed, signed, and uploaded with your final submission. Please check the box “NSF and External Use” to allow your video to be posted on the NSF website and social media.
  • PI Verification and Consent Form - Entries submitted by someone other than the PI or Fellow associated with the award number, must include a signed PI Verification and Consent form with the entry.
  • Participant Consent Forms - Must be included for anyone appearing in a video but not registering as a submitting individual or team member. Allows NSF to use the individual’s name and likeness. Parental consent is required for anyone appearing in the video who is under the age of 18.
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FAQ

When can I begin submitting my entry?

The contest will begin accepting entries on October 5, 2018. You can begin the submission process by registering at any time. Once you register, you will receive login details that will allow you to continue to access and complete your entry up until the submission deadline of February 28, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST.

Once I submit my video, can I revise it or replace it with another video prior to the contest deadline?

Yes. You will continue to be able to access and edit your entry using the login details you receive at registration up until the submission deadline.

Do I have to be the PI or Fellow associated with the award to register?

No. Entries can be submitted by someone other than the PI or Fellow associated with the award number. These entries must include a signed PI Verification and Consent Form.

Can more than one person or team submit videos for the same award number?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of videos that can be submitted for an award number, as long as any entries submitted by someone other than the PI or Fellow associated with the award include a PI Verification and Consent Form.

Can I contribute to more than one entry?

Yes. You may contribute to multiple entries as a member of a team; however, you can only submit one entry as an individual or a team leader.

Do I have to be over 18 to enter?

Yes. While some projects showcased in video submissions may involve participants under the age of 18, only individuals who are 18 or older can register and submit entries.

What if my award has ended? Can I still submit a video on my work?

Yes. Videos can showcase work that is currently being supported or has previously been supported by NSF.

How do I choose the appropriate submission level for my video?

The submission level should be determined by the level of the work that received NSF-support. For example, an advanced researcher working with a K-12 teacher on a project in the K-12 classroom, should submit to Level 1: K-12 and Undergraduate. A mid-career researcher submitting work completed as part of a Graduate Research Fellowship, should submit to Level 2: Graduate.

Do I really need to put the NSF logo and the NSF acknowledgement and disclaimer in the video?

Yes. The NSF logo must be included in the video. Official logo options can be accessed at https://www.nsf.gov/policies/logos.jsp. Videos must also include the standard NSF acknowledgement of support and disclaimer. Language can be accessed here: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappg18_1/pappg_11.jsp#XIE4.

Can I request an award supplement to help fund production of my video?

No. While video entries must showcase NSF-supported work, no additional funds will be provided by NSF for the creation of videos for this competition.

How will my video entry be submitted and in what form?

You must upload your video to the competition platform. If possible, record in HD (i.e., 1280 x 720).

Does the video have to include credits identifying the video creator and any volunteers?

No. While you may choose to include credits identifying the video creator or any volunteers, these are not required. Any identifying information included in the video will be reviewed, and judges will be required to notify the competition organizers of any conflicts of interest.

If I include credits on my video are they included in the 3-minute limit?

Yes. The entire video cannot exceed 3 minutes.

How will semifinalists and winners be notified?

Semifinalists and winners will be notified via email sent to the individual or team leader. Winners will be notified prior to a public announcement of the results to make necessary arrangements for travel to Washington, DC for the National Math Festival on May 4, 2019. The winning videos will be showcased in a special session at the National Math Festival and with other NSF activities throughout the day.

If my team wins, do we all get to go to the National Math Festival?

All team members are welcome to attend; however, funding will only be provided for travel expenses for one team member to attend the National Math Festival.

If my team wins, how does the prize money get distributed among the team members?

Prize money for winning teams will be sent to the team leader. It will be up to the team to determine how the prize money is distributed among members of the team.

What is the prize for People’s Choice Award?

Fame and glory! While there is no monetary prize for the People’s Choice Award winner, your video will be shared by NSF and promoted on a public website. It may also appear at a range of events, including those serving the general public, the academic community, government officials, and industry leaders.

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PRIZES

Grand Prize

The winning entry for each level will receive a cash prize of $3,000. These winners will be showcased at the 2019 National Math Festival in Washington, DC on May 4, 2019. Recipients will be notified in advance and invited to attend. Travel expenses will be covered for individual winners and one representative from any winning team.

The People's Choice Award

Following the first round of judging, the entries from up to 16 semifinalists will be made publicly available for online voting for approximately 30 days.

The People's Choice Award winner will also be announced with the winners from each level on May 3, 2019. The People's Choice Award will not include a monetary prize but will include public recognition and promotion of the participants and their work on the NSF website and at other events and venues. The video will be showcased at the 2019 National Math Festival, but the winner will not be notified in advance, and therefore, no travel expenses will be covered for the winner to attend.

Post-Competition Use of Videos

All winning videos and a selection of other top entries will be showcased at the 2019 National Math Festival, which is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 20,000 people.

Winning videos will appear on the NSF website and be promoted through social media.

A selection of video entries may also be used by the NSF Office of Legislative and Public Affairs of other NSF offices, divisions, or directorates for future educational or promotional activities.

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JUDGING CRITERIA

Two rounds of formal judging will determine winners of the prize money, and a period of public voting will determine the winner of a People's Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award winner will not receive a monetary prize but will be showcased on the NSF website, through social media, and at public events.


1st Round of Judging

All entries will first be screened for compliance with the rules. All compliant videos will be scored by a panel of judges, using on the following four criteria:

  • Creativity (20%): Video is creatively used to showcase NSF-supported work in the mathematical sciences.
  • Clarity and accuracy of mathematical concepts and ideas (20%): The mathematical concepts and ideas underlying the project are clearly and accurately illustrated throughout the video.
  • Communicating mathematics in an accessible and exciting way (40%): NSF-supported project work is presented at a level and using language that can be understood by a broad audience of varying ages and mathematical backgrounds. Use of technical terminology and assumption of prior knowledge of the mathematical concepts in the video are limited. Video communicates project ideas, purpose, and/or impact in a way that excites the audience about the mathematical sciences. It has the potential to break down barriers for viewers who may perceive advanced studies and research in the mathematical sciences as inaccessible or have trouble envisioning themselves as future mathematical scientists.
  • Artistic and technical quality (20%): Video has visual appeal, is refined, and has a high level of both visual and audio quality.

 

Judges will evaluate a collection of videos submitted to the same level. Based on the scoring, up to four semifinalists will be identified at each level.



2nd Round of Judging

  • Judges will review the semifinalists to determine one winning entry for each level. Round 2 judges will not be able to see scores assigned in Round 1 and will score each semifinalist using the same four criteria used in Round 1. In cases where a judge is asked to review for both rounds, she/he will review videos at a different level for each round to ensure that they do not review the same videos twice.
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RULES AND ELIGIBILITY


Competition Eligibility

  • Each submission must be made by an individual or a team whose work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
  • An NSF award number must be included in registration and submission.
  • All entries must be submitted by an individual or team leader over the age of 18.
  • All team members who register as part of a team entry during the submission process must be over the age of 18.
  • Any entries not submitted directly by a PI must include a PI verification and consent form.
  • Participants are limited to one entry. Multiple entries may be submitted per NSF award with the consent of the PI.
  • Each entrant must submit a signed NSF 1515 form (one per team), available on the competition platform.
  • Parental consent forms must be submitted for any videos that include participants under the age of 18.
  • Employees and contractors of the National Science Foundation are not eligible to enter the competition.


Entry Rules

  • All entries must be received during the competition submission window.
  • Video entries may not exceed 3 minutes.
  • All entries must include an official version of the NSF logo, which can be found at https://www.nsf.gov/policies/logos.jsp, and the official NSF Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer found at https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappg18_1/pappg_11.jsp#XIE4.
  • All entries must be submitted in English.
  • A competition entry constitutes an agreement to adhere to the rules and stipulations set forth by the competition sponsors.
  • Each entrant certifies, through submission to the competition, that the entry is their own original, creative work and does not violate or infringe the creative work of others, as protected under U.S. copyright law or patent law.
  • By entering the competition, the entrant agrees to hold harmless, NSF, for all legal and administrative claims to include associated expenses that may arise from any claims related to their submission or its use.
  • All judges’ decisions are final and may not be appealed.
  • Entrants retain all copyright and equivalent rights but give NSF nonexclusive rights to use their names, likenesses, quotes, submissions, or any part of their submissions for educational publicity and/or promotional purposes. These include but are not limited to website display, print materials, and exhibits.
  • NSF will not be responsible for any claims or complaints from third parties about any disputes of ownership regarding the ideas, solutions, or images.


Other Rules

  • Any entrant or entry found in violation of any rule will be disqualified.
  • Winners are responsible for all taxes or other fees connected with the prize received and/or travel paid for by the sponsoring organization.
  • NSF reserves the right to modify or cancel the competition at any time during the duration of the competition for any reason, including but not limited to an insufficient number of qualified entries received.
  • Should NSF decide to bring winning contestants to Washington, D.C., or to any other location for promotional and other purposes, expenses paid by NSF will be within the limits set forth in law according to federal travel regulations.
  • All contestants agree that they, their heirs and estates shall hold harmless the United States, the employees of the federal government, and all employees of NSF for any and all injuries and/or claims arising from participation in this competition, to include that which may occur while traveling to or participating in competition activities.
  • NSF has the final say on any point not outlined in the entry rules.
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CONTACT


For any questions about the competition, please contact we-are-mathematics@nsf.gov



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