€1,000 prize up for grabs in ReelLIFE Science film competition

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Galway Daily news €1,000 prize up for grabs in ReelLIFE Science film competition

Young people enthusiastic about science have an opportunity to support their school or youth group in the ReelLIFE Science film competition, on a topic of their choice.

NUI Galway is challenging young science enthusiasts and filmmakers in Ireland and Northern Ireland to produce fun short science videos for the innovative ‘ReelLIFE SCIENCE’ competition.

The competition offers primary and secondary school students the chance to win a €1,000 top prize for their school or youth organisation, with a total of €5,000 in prizes to be doled out.

Videos can be up to three minutes in length and can communicate any aspect of STEM on one of the following topics: How Things Work, Climate Action, Healing the Body and Science on the Farm.

Ferne Corrigan, beloved BBC wildlife and children’s presenter, is one of the panel of judge’s at this year’s film competition.

Commenting excitedly about the competition, she said that we are in a time when science is at the forefront of “massive, impactful conversations” about the furture.

“What is exciting is that it is this generation, and the next generation that will bring about critical changes and keep the conversation going.

“Science needs passionate young people and it is programmes like this that help to get it out there.”

Since launching in 2013, more than 14,000 young people in 450 schools and youth organisations in Ireland have taken part in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme, organised by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of scientists from NUIG.

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.

Filming for this competition an be on smartphones, tablets or cameras and the closing date for entries is Friday, 23 October.

The best videos will be screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival on November 22.

“Science isn’t all lab coats and Bunsen burners and we need to make it engaging and accessible for all,” Ferne Corrigan said.

“I am so excited to be a part of the judging panel for the videos and I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.”