Gradflix is a new competition that allows current and recent graduate students to share their research through a creative short video (60 seconds or less) for a chance to win cash prizes. The competition invites master’s and doctoral students across disciplines to showcase their current research to non-specialist audiences. GRADflix provides a way for Brock University to recognize and celebrate the amazing research being done by its graduate students.
Competition Info
2023 – 2024 dates:
Workshops
- Thursday, Oct. 26:
Give your Research a Competitive Edge - Tuesday, Oct. 31:
Creatively Communicating your Research - Wednesday, Nov. 8:
Storytelling your Research - Wednesday, Nov. 15:
Visualizing your Research - Tuesday, Nov. 21:
Captivating your Audience - Tuesday, Dec. 5:
Research Competition Drop-in
Event Details
- January 28: Video submissions close
- February 2: People’s Choice Award opens
- February 13: In-person event and winner announcement
- Current graduate students or postdoctoral researchers
- Recent graduates of a Brock University graduate program (not yet convocated)
- Students and researchers from all disciplines are welcome
Your video can be almost anything you want it to be! When it comes to formatting, there are many possible options and creativity is encouraged. However, your video must be no longer than 60 seconds (one minute) and must include both movement and sound.
Movement can take the form of slide transitions, zooming in and out, or a subject moving on video. Sound can include a voice-over, music, or any other form of sound.
Communication (50%):
- use of clear language and terminology; good pace
- appropriate use of images to complement the message
- contribution to research/scholarship is clearly articulated
- logical sequence of information (easy to follow)
- ability to explain complex ideas to a non-specialist audience
Creativity and visual impact (30%):
- creative use of (limited) time
- information is presented creatively
- well-designed images and script
- visually appealing and engaging
Technical quality (20%):
- high-quality sound and images
- effective use of images and sound
- citations/credits where required
Four prizes will be awarded to our winners:
First place: $1,000
Second place: $750
Third place: $500
People’s Choice Award*: $300
*The People’s Choice Award can be awarded to a first, second, or third-place winner.
Resources
The submission form can be found at the bottom of this page when applications are being accepted.
Competition sign-up and video submissions close at midnight on January 28.
Videos will be submitted to Graduate Studies via WeTransfer in MP4 format.
GRADflix Winners 2023
GRADflix Winner Announcement 2022
Here are some other samples from previous GRADflix finalists and winners:
By entering into this contest, you give Brock University permission to publish any submitted content, including photographs, digital images, and personal information on any of its platforms, digital or otherwise, including any of Brock’s social media channels and websites. You acknowledge and consent that the community may view and engage with any submitted content. Furthermore, you acknowledge and consent that the Brock University may disclose your personal information as required by any applicable law, including, with limitation, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
By submitting your video, you are agreeing that your submission is an original work created by you and that you have all necessary rights in and to the submission.
When creating your video you must keep copyright in mind. As your video will be made available publicly, you need to make sure that you are using third-party content properly. To avoid copyright complications, review the resources provided by Brock University Library. Any questions can be directed to copyright@brocku.ca.
The presentation of research for the GRADflix competition, including but not limited to video presentations, will be in the public domain and publicly accessible. Any data or information discussed or presented in video submissions should therefore be considered ‘public’.
Any and all of these public sessions may be broadcast/streamed to interested persons through various media channels, including the Internet. Any data or information discussed or presented in public
sessions should be considered “public”. If your research includes confidential or culturally sensitive material, we advise that you discuss your competition entry with your supervisor(s) before entering the competition.
Abstracts, oral descriptions, slides, pictures and videos can all constitute public disclosure and affect intellectual property rights and patentability. If this may be a concern, consult with your supervisor(s) and/or the Office of Research Services before participating in this competition.
By submitting your video, you also agree that your submission does not infringe upon or violate any laws or any third party rights, including, but not limited to, copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary rights and must not constitute material that would be considered libelling, defamatory, a privacy violation, tortious or a contract breach. If any of these may be a concern, consult with your supervisor(s) or the Office of Research Services before submitting your video.
Due to the nature of the competition, we will not ask judges, reviewers, staff or the audience to sign non-disclosure agreements. If your research is being/has been conducted under contract with an outside sponsor, please discuss the related contractual terms of confidentiality and intellectual property with your supervisor(s) before participating in this competition.
Brock University may capture images and recordings of the GRADFlix presentations, or material prepared for use in GRADFlix presentations, for promotional purposes and to support knowledge mobilization.
In November, the Faculty of Graduate Studies will offer three professional development sessions that will help you learn more about GRADflix and how to prepare a video for the competition.
GRADflix 101 – This info session and Q&A will help you learn more about the competition and get your questions answered. This session is catered to students who are interested in GRADflix and considering entering the competition.
Using the Media to Amplify your Research Story – This workshop will help you learn how to talk and write about your research, especially when communicating with a non-specialist audience. ALL graduate students can benefit from attending this workshop.
Filmmaking in the Lab: Creating Engaging Videos from Start to Finish – This workshop will provide you with tools, techniques, and strategies for shooting a great video about your research. ALL graduate students can benefit from attending this workshop.
If you are a current graduate student or postdoctoral researcher or recent graduate of a Brock University graduate program, we encourage you to participate in GRADflix! Researchers from all disciplines are welcome.
Don’t want to submit a video for the competition? No problem. We welcome you to join us at the GRADflix showcase and awards event and support your peers. The showcase event will be open to all members of the Brock University community.
Create a short video that describes your research in 60 seconds (one minute) or less, then submit it to the Faculty of Graduate Studies along with a photo of you and a brief biography. Then, mark the date of the GRADflix showcase and awards event in your calendar and plan to join us!
GRADflix can help you:
· Practice effectively communicating complex ideas to a non-specialist audience
· Develop your digital communication skills and creativity
· Make a great addition to your CV or resume and your online presence (think LinkedIn)
· Network with fellow graduate students, GRADflix judges, faculty, and the wider community
· Create something that introduces you and your research and can easily be shared anywhere
· WIN prizes! First, second, and third place and the People’s Choice winners will all be awarded monetary prizes.
To participate in GRADflix, you must be willing to have your video, photo, and biography shared publicly. These may be shared on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website, at the GRADflix showcase and awards event, and/or through other means as determined by the Faculty of Graduate studies.
The University of Waterloo developed the GRADflix concept in 2018. Brock University is grateful to have been granted permission to reproduce the GRADflix concept using resources that have been graciously shared by the University of Waterloo.