What are the prizes?

• These prizes support the creation of exceptional work on YouTube or TikTok that explores themes related to science and technology. 

• The Sloan Science Prize in Documentary will provide $100,000 to support the development and production of nonfiction work. 

• The Sloan Science Prize in Narrative Fiction will provide $50,000 to support the development and production of a fictional short film or series pilot. 

​

What strings are attached?

• The Sloan Science Prize in Documentary should support 30 to 60 minutes of video content shared on YouTube, YouTube Shorts, and/or TikTok. 

• The Sloan Science Prize in Narrative Fiction  should support at least 20 minutes of video content shared on YouTube, YouTube Shorts, and/or TikTok. 

• Any videos that were directly supported by the Prize must acknowledge IMI and the Sloan Foundation in the video. 

• Prior to release, the videos must be submitted to IMI and the Sloan Foundation for review. This review will ensure that the content in the video does not violate IMI or Sloan Foundation content guidelines (for example videos containing graphic depictions of sex or violence, profiteering, promotion of hate groups, or political campaign activity may not be approved).

• Video(s) must be released or ready for release by November 2025, one year from the award announcement.

​​

What is the application process?

• Applicants must submit a proposal and supporting information by September 30, 2024 (see Application for more details). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Semi finalists will be selected for an interview with IMI and Sloan leadership in mid-October. Final selection will be made by the Jury and announced at IMI Fest 2024.

​

What is the timeline?

• Applications are due by September 30, 2024. Semifinalists will be notified by mid-October. Winners will be announced at IMI Fest on November 16, 2024. Winners will receive the prize money by the end of 2024. Video(s) must be released or ready for release by November 2025, one year from the award announcement.

​

How will applications be judged?

• Applications will be judged based on several factors including the: 

  1. Creativity of the project: Is this something we’ve seen before, or something new? Could anyone do it, or is there something unique about your skills or perspective that makes the project exceptional?

  2. Feasibility of the project: Do you have the scientific or engineering expertise to develop a high-quality piece of work on those topics? Do you have the video production expertise to develop high-quality and engaging video content? If you lack skills in one of those areas, how will you fill that gap? Do you have a team, or will you work alone? Do you have a track record of exceptional work to indicate this project will be successful?

  3. Focus on science and technology as a theme: These Prizes are intended to support work that seriously and deeply engages with the intrinsic drama of science. Work that focuses on the human side of science, takes viewers on a journey with the creator, and models the process of gaining understanding through science are preferred. Enthusiastic explainer videos of “fun facts” may not be sufficient for these Prizes.

  4. Potential impact: Who is your target audience for this work? Do you have a built-in audience? If you don’t, do you have a strategy for reaching the target audience? How would you judge the success of this project?

​

Can non-US residents apply?

• International applicants are welcome to apply. However, the resulting videos must be primarily in English.

 

I don’t make YouTube videos. Can I still apply?

• Yes. These Prizes are open to non-YouTube creators such as audio producers, filmmakers, animators, or writers. Additionally, we encourage science and technology experts who don’t have a background in YouTube video production to apply. However, these applicants must demonstrate that they have a plan for both the feasibility of the project and potential impact. If you don’t have an existing YouTube audience, how will you reach an audience for this work? If you don’t have strong video production expertise, how will you source support or gain the necessary skills yourself?

​

Do I have to make 1 long video, or can I make a few short videos? What if I want to make a series?

• The Sloan Science Prize in Documentary should support 30 to 60 minutes of video content, and the Sloan Science Prize in Narrative Fiction should support at least 20 minutes of video content. 

• It’s up to the creator how that time is divided: proposals for one full-length video, two half-length videos, or serialized short videos will all be considered. 

• Some of the content may be “behind the scenes” or “how I made this” in-depth descriptions

• Projects that have the potential to become a longer series or feature-length videos in the future are especially encouraged.

​

Do you have examples of what successful projects would look like?

• Of course we want these Prizes to support work that is new and original, so there’s no perfect example. You can find work that the Sloan Foundation has previously supported through their Public Understanding of Science and Technology program. A list of over 800 screenplays and short films supported by the Sloan Foundation can be found at the Sloan Science and Film Initiative from the Museum of the Moving Image and a list of full-length feature films released theatrically developed by Sloan or won Sloan prizes at the Coolidge Corner Theater’s Science on Screen website.