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.
