Submissions wanted (no-fee writing contest, science, ACT) | $400 AUD top prize
Added 2025-07-17 15:13:03 +0000 UTCCOMPANY/PUBLICATION: MARION SCIENCE + STORYTELLING PRIZE
Deadline: 22 July 2025
The MARION Science + Storytelling Prize invites ACT-based writers of all ages to creatively explore the wonders of science through storytelling. We’re looking for original, imaginative short written works, in essay form, poetry, short stories, or hybrid writing that respond to the 2025 National Science Week theme:
Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language.
This theme invites reflection on the ways we understand and interpret the world, from DNA and data to bird calls, star patterns, magnetic fields, fungi networks, and mathematical systems. Writers are encouraged to consider how nature “speaks” and how we, as humans, listen, translate, and create meaning from these hidden systems. Whether you're fascinated by the cosmos, animal behaviours, climate rhythms, or the algorithms behind artificial intelligence, we invite you to respond with creativity, and curiosity.
CATEGORIES
OPEN (18+ years of age and over)
65+ (for writers aged 65 years and over)
YOUTH (under 18 years of age)
KEY DATES
Submissions open: Tuesday 8 July 2025
Submissions close: Tuesday 22 July 2025, 11:59pm AEST
Winners announced: During National Science Week (9–17 August 2025) at an event tbc
With thanks to the Australian Government, ACT Government, and the ACT National Science Week Coordinating Committee.
This prize has been made possible through a ACT National Science Week grant.
We are delighted to announce Olivia Congdon as our judge for the Storytelling and Science Awards.
Olivia Congdon is currently Senior Science Writer for the Australian National University and is a self-confessed nature nerd. She was previously a science communicator with the Australian Academy of Science, and she holds a Graduate Certificate in Science Communication. Olivia’s work has appeared in publications including Australian Geographic, BBC Wildlife magazine, Galah magazine, the ABC, Weekend Birder, and Cosmos magazine.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
ENTRY FEES
Entry is free.
Each individual may submit one entry only.
ELIGIBILITY
This prize is open to writers who are either:
Residents of the ACT
Can clearly and strongly demonstrate an ACT-based arts practice.
Entrants must select the correct age category at the time of submission:
Open (18+)
65+ (aged 65 and over)
Youth (under 18)
Youth entries (under 18) must be submitted with parental/guardian permission. A checkbox to confirm this, is on the submission form.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Entries must:
Be original works written within the 12 months prior to submission.
Respond meaningfully to the 2025 theme: “Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language.”
Not be previously published, awarded a prize, or currently under consideration elsewhere.
Works submitted to other competitions are allowed, provided they meet the conditions above.
FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
Submit your entry as a .doc, .docx, or PDF file via the online form.
Entries must be typed in a readable font (e.g. Times New Roman or Arial, 11 or 12 pt).
Submissions must be anonymous — no names or identifying information in the document. (Your name will be captured via the form but de-identified for judging.)
All entries must be written in English.
Length limits:
Poetry: Maximum 40 lines (excluding title).
All other forms (essays, short stories, hybrid writing): Maximum 1,000 words.
PRIZES
Open (18+)
Winner: $400
Runner-up: $200
65+ (for writers aged 65 and over)
Winner: $400
Runner-up: $200
Youth (under 18)
Winner: $250
Runner-up: $150
Additional commendations may be awarded at the judge’s discretion.
JUDGING PROCESS
Entries will be blind-judged. Judges will not be aware of entrants’ identities.
Judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
EXCLUSIONS
Members of the judging panel, MARION staff and Board, and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.
The organisers reserve the right not to accept a submission that does not meet the eligibility criteria set out in the terms and conditions. Should you have any question regarding this prize please email operations@marion.ink and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
ORIGINALITY + AI USE
All entries must be original works by a living individual.
Entries must not infringe copyright or the rights of any third party.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate or significantly assist with the writing is not permitted. Entries found to be generated or significantly assisted by AI will be disqualified.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Submissions: Via the webform (scroll to the bottom of the page)
Website: https://marion.ink
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