What inspired you to pursue a career in optics and photonics? Did science-related TV shows like Bill Nye the Science Guy, books, or other media help foster a love for STEM? One of the best ways to spread awareness of the photonics field is through video, and the rise of YouTube, TikTok, and other social media platforms has led to unprecedented levels of video consumption. We can use these tools to inspire young people to go into optics and photonics or simply inform professionals about this exciting field.
Help us spread the love for photonics! Create a short video tailored for social media that teaches about an optics concept, shows an experiment, or otherwise informs the audience about photonics. Submit your video by October 20, 2023, for the chance to win international bragging rights (and, of course, a financial award)!
Resources are included below to help you create the best video possible. Winners will be announced on November 14.
Rules
- Video duration should be one minute or less
- Video should be shot vertically on a cellphone (aspect ratio of 9:16)
- There are two categories that would involve different levels of technical detail:
- General public (e.g. non-technical background)
- Early career professionals / graduate students studying optics
- When submitting, you will be prompted to select which category you are submitting into
- You can only submit one video per category, but you could submit one video to each category if you wish!
- Participants can submit individually or as a team, but if they enter as a team they will share the award
- The videos will be judged by a panel of 3 judges based on the criteria described below
- Videos can be submitted by posting them on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag #pom2023videochallenge
- The submission deadline is October 20, 2023
Judging Criteria
- All entries will be rated independently by each of the three judges for each of the criteria described below
- The highest score for each of the two categories wins an award
- Each criterion will be rated on a score of 1 – 10 with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the highest
- Ties will be debated between the three judges to determine a winner
Judging Criteria
Content
Did the video do a good job conveying an optics concept, showing an experiment, or otherwise informing the audience about photonics?
Creativity
Was it visually interesting? Would it catch your attention and cause you to pause as you were scrolling through social media to watch this?
Clarity
Was the presentation easy to follow? Do you think that the target audience would be able to grasp the key takeaways of the video?
Judges

Technical Marketing Manager at Edumnd Optics
TBD
TBD
How to Submit
To submit a video entry, simply post your video on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag #pom2023videochallenge
Resources to Help You Create the Best Video
Video from Cory Boone explaining basic tips / techniques
How to edit TikTok videos: 20 tips for success
How to edit your TikTok videos: a simple guide for beginners
5 Best Vertical Video Editing Apps
15 Best Free Video Editing Software for Beginners in 2023