September2018 Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain Announced as Guest Judge for Novel NUI Galway Science Competition

NUI Galway are inviting science enthusiasts and filmmakers of all ages to apply for the competition

 Wednesday, 5 September, 2018: NUI Galway is challenging science enthusiasts and filmmakers of all ages to produce an engaging and educational short science video for this year’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition. This year, winning videos will be selected by guest judge Irish comedian and television presenter Dara Ó Briain.

Launched in 2013, the contest is inviting all primary and secondary schools, and participants from community groups and clubs around Ireland to show their passion for science and technology. Videos can be produced on smartphones or cameras and can communicate any aspect of science, including its impact on individuals, society and the environment.

Supported by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover programme, the Community Knowledge Initiative, the CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, ReelLIFE SCIENCE will award more than €5,000 for the best science videos.

Winning videos will be selected by a panel of special guest judges including aeronautical engineer and astronaut-candidate Norah Patten, BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year 2018, Simon Meehan and comedian and TV presenter Dara Ó Briain, who said: “ReelLIFE SCIENCE is a wonderful project, which encourages people to connect with science and technology in a fun way, and share their knowledge and creativity with the public via video. I’m delighted to be one of the judges and am very excited to see this year’s videos.”

Closing date for submissions is Friday, 19 October and the best videos at each level (primary school, secondary school, community) will be announced during Science Week 2018, which runs from 11-18 November. The winning filmmakers will be invited to attend a public screening and awards ceremony hosted at the Galway Science and Technology Festival on 25 November.

More than 9,000 people in 300 schools and community groups all around Ireland have previously taken part in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme, which is organised by Dr Enda O’Connell and a team of science communication enthusiasts from NUI Galway.

Previous year’s winning videos and more information about the 2018 competition can be found at www.reellifescience.com.

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