Addressing Grand Challenges – in 120 seconds!

This video challenge celebrates a diversity of built environment research from postdocs in many countries and built environment disciplines. Collectively, these videos will illustrate the importance and interest of emerging built environment research to civil society and industry.

Video Challenge Theme: “Grand Challenges”

The theme of this video challenge is “GRAND CHALLENGES” – the difficult but key problems that societies face. This is an opportunity for postdocs to explain the significance of their research in relation to major societal issues, articulate a ‘big picture’ view of its potential contribution and impacts. These videos should explain clearly, succinctly and creatively why the chosen research project matters and how it fits into the wider context and might contribute to society. It must be aimed at the general public.

It should pertain to research about the built environment and its impacts in the broadest sense: the social, economic, environmental and physical resources, creation, use, operation, maintenance & stewardship of the built environment (buildings, neighbourhoods, cities, peri-urban & rural areas, infrastructure) including social, environmental, economic, health, political, physical & spatial aspects / impacts.

The topic may be transdisciplinary in nature or be based in a specific discipline: sociology, geography, construction, ecology, economics, political science, psychology, physiology, engineering, facilities management, architecture, planning, real estate, urban studies, environmental design, finance, project management, business, etc.

Participating in the Challenge

Any person with PhD up to six years (as of 17 October 2023) after their PhD degree was awarded. The topic can be based either on your PhD or postdoc research.

We encourage creativity and the use of different formats that help to clearly convey your message: live action, animation, still images, visual effects - but the video must be 120 seconds or less!

The best three videos will be awarded with a first, a second, and a people’s vote prize (600 €/ 400 €/ 400 €). Apart from winning a prize: All participants improve their communication skills and enhance the visibility of their work by engaging in this video challenge!

Completed applications and videos must be submitted before Tuesday 17 October 2023 noon (UCT / GMT / UK time)

For further information about the entry, technical requirements and for guidance and support on how to make a video, please visit the video challenge website of our partner Buildings & Cities: https://www.buildingsandcities.org/video-challenge/2023.html