The Science Video Challenge is a fun and engaging competition at ExTech2025 where researchers present their research in a short video (max. 3 minutes). The format is similar to a Science Slam – contestants create entertaining yet scientifically accurate presentations of their work. The goal is to communicate complex research to a broad audience in an accessible way, combining humor and clarity. This challenge puts scientists on the clock to explain their research in just three minutes – a format inspired by events like Science Slams and the Three Minute Thesis competition. It's an opportunity to showcase the fascinating side of your research in a concise, crowd-friendly form.

The challenge is open to all scientists. It is primarily aimed at early-career researchers (e.g., Ph.D. students and postdocs), but all research staff are welcome – even group or lab team submissions can participate. In the spirit of inclusivity, entries from any discipline and career stage are encouraged (much like science slam events that welcome researchers at all career stages). Whether you're a graduate student or a seasoned scientist, you're invited to join if you have a passion for sharing your work creatively.

To enter the Science Video Challenge, please submit your video by August 31, 2025. Send your entry to Gerrit Renner (Email: gerrit.renneruni-due.de). Use the subject line "Science Video Challenge ExTech2025" for your submission. After we receive your email, we will reply with an individual upload link where you can upload your video file (to accommodate large video files). Each video should adhere to the 3-minute maximum length rule – shorter is fine, but not longer. Also, ensure your video file is in a standard format (e.g., MP4) for easy viewing.

Important: In your email, include your name, affiliation, and a short title or description of your video. This information will help us identify and credit your submission correctly. If your team is submitting, include all team members' names. By submitting, you confirm that the video content is your own, and you have rights to any visuals or music used.

Participants in the Science Video Challenge stand to win fantastic prizes. Thanks to our conference's media partners, we will offer attractive awards for the top videos, including cash prizes and valuable gifts (exact details to be announced). The winners will be selected based on audience engagement during the conference. Beyond material prizes, this is also a chance to earn recognition for your science communication skills. The winning videos may be showcased on the conference website or social media, giving your research extra exposure. So, bring out your creativity – impressive content and presentation will be rewarded!

Creating an effective science video can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling 3-minute science story:

• Know Your Audience & Avoid Jargon: Tailor your video for non-specialists. Use simple language and briefly explain technical terms (or avoid jargon). Remember, the goal is for any interested person to follow along. Think of how you'd explain your work to a friend outside your field – what background would they need? Aim for clarity over detail.
• Focus on a Clear Message: In a 3-minute video, you cannot cover your whole thesis – so identify one clear takeaway or story angle. It's better to answer a specific question or highlight one key aspect of your research than to overload the viewer. For example, instead of "all about climate change," focus on "how does rising CO₂ affect one specific plant – and why does it matter?" A clear focus makes your video memorable.
• Tell a Story: Make your presentation engaging and relatable by framing it as a story or real-world problem. The best science slam talks have a narrative flow – a beginning that hooks interest, a middle that unveils the science, and an ending that drives the point home. Think of your research in terms of stories we all appreciate – perhaps a mystery you solved, a challenge overcome, or an analogy to everyday life. Storytelling and examples help the audience connect with your content emotionally and intellectually.
• Be Enthusiastic and Entertaining: Let your passion show! An entertaining delivery can make even heavy science enjoyable. Use appropriate humor or fun examples, show enthusiasm, and let your personality shine. The aim is to get the audience as excited about your work as you are. If you enjoy making the video, viewers will enjoy watching it. Engaging tone and charismatic presentation.
• Use Analogies & Visuals: Since this is a video, take advantage of visuals. You can include simple animations, slides, or props to illustrate your points. Good visuals can make complex concepts easier to grasp. Analogies and metaphors are also powerful – compare an unfamiliar scientific concept to something familiar. For instance, if your research is about network theory, you might compare it to traffic networks or social webs that the audience knows. A catchy visual or analogy can be a "hook" that draws viewers in.
• Keep It Simple (No Info-Dump): You have limited time, so distill your content to the most essential points. Don't try to cram in every research data point or nuance. Focus on key insights and omit unnecessary details. Use simple examples to explain the technical aspects. Remember the advice: less is more in a short video. A concise, well-explained insight is more effective than a rushed overview of an entire project.
• Get Creative: Feel free to think outside the box in how you present. Science slams often allow creative approaches – some presenters use props, live demos, music, or skits to explain their science. In a video, you might include quick demonstrations, draw on a whiteboard, or even incorporate a bit of drama or animation. Everything is allowed as long as it serves the science and keeps it fun. Creativity can make your video stand out (ensure it remains respectful and on-topic).
• In case you want to speak:
  • Practice and Time Yourself: Once you have a script or plan, practice your delivery multiple times. Rehearse speaking clearly and not too fast (a common mistake when nervous or trying to squeeze in content). Practicing with friends or family – especially those outside your field – is invaluable: ask them what parts were confusing and adjust accordingly. Make sure you can hit all your points within 3 minutes without rushing. Speaking clearly, at a measured pace, and pausing for effect when needed will make your video more professional.
  • Speak Clearly & Smile: Clear articulation and a friendly demeanor are key on camera. Look at the camera (as if making eye contact with the viewer), and smile or show enthusiasm when appropriate – it helps engage viewers. Also, remember to breathe and use natural intonation. If you stumble on a word, it's okay – with video, you can do another take or edit out mistakes. The final result should feel natural and energetic, not monotone or read from a paper.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating an informative and enjoyable video, which is exactly what the Science Video Challenge is looking for!

To help you prepare, here are a few resources and communities on science communication and video-making:

• Nature Career Feature – "Put it on camera: How to get into scientific film and video-making" – An article highlighting that it's easier than ever to produce captivating science clips and offering advice on getting started with science videos. It discusses how short videos can boost your outreach and even skills for your career.
• University of Melbourne "Let's Talk SciComm" Podcast (Episode: Making Videos) – Show notes for a science communication podcast episode include links to resources like "Filming Science on a Phone" (YouTube tutorial) and “10 steps to making DIY science videos”.​ These resources provide guidance on technical aspects of filming with minimal gear and ideas for improving video content quality.
• Tutorials and Guides: Many free online science video production guides exist. For instance, The Conversation published an article on "What makes a popular science video on YouTube?", and Medium hosts articles like "What makes a good science video?" which break down key ingredients of successful science videos (e.g., having a visual hook, an element of surprise, and a clear focus). Such articles can offer insight into engaging the online audience and refining your content.

Finally, don't forget to have fun and use this as a learning experience. Science communication is a skill – the more you practice, the better you get. By participating in the Science Video Challenge, you're competing for prizes and honing your ability to share your research with the world. We can't wait to see your videos. Best of luck with creating your science story!