For Scientists
Q. How do I enter?
Scientists may apply here.
Q. Do I need a science background to participate?
Yes. All applicants must either be enrolled in a university (i.e., undergraduate or graduate students), work within a scientific research setting (e.g., clinical, pharmaceutical, academic laboratories), or, if not in either, have had significant scientific training such as having received a MSc, PhD, or MD/PhD and working closely to or within a scientific field.
Q. Is there an entry fee?
Although no entry fee is mandated, entrants will have the opportunity to offer a voluntary contribution to The Poetry of Science upon entry. Voluntary contributions will be put toward materials and costs necessary to create and install our public art display in Cambridge.
Q. Will any of the work from this project be published/displayed?
For this project, poetry created in collaboration with selected scientists will be published in at least one literary journal; it will also be displayed (alongside portraits of scientists) in a public setting within the City of Cambridge and online via our website and social media channels.
Q. Are there any eligibility restrictions based on my location?
Preference is given to residents of, and those whose primary employer is located within, the City of Cambridge, MA. However, we will consider applicants from the surrounding area (e.g., Boston, Somerville, Medford).
Q. How does the judging work?
Once the submission period closes, scientists will be selected based on the quality of their answers and how well they may match in collaboration with the selected poets. Because only 12 scientists can be selected and because there will likely be many qualified candidates, selection will also be based on collecting a wide range of scientists from different scientific backgrounds and with varying experiences.
Q. When will I know when the final scientists have been chosen?
We will announce the winners in early May, 2021.
Q. Is there a cash prize for selected scientists?
No. However, scientists will be published in a dedicated issue of Spry Literary Journal, will obtain a free headshot, and will have their bio and associated poem on our website. This is in addition to portraits of each scientist being printed and publicly installed as an art installation with associated poetry.
Q. I have a question about entering not listed here. How do I get in touch?
If after reading our rules, submission guidelines, and FAQs you still have a question, please email us: contact@poetryofscience.org.
For Poets
Q. How do I enter?
Please Note: Submissions are now closed
Q. Do I need a science background to participate?
You don’t need to have a background in science to participate in this project. We’re looking for strong poets who are interested in learning the stories of scientists and translating their work and motivations into poetry.
Q. Is there an entry fee?
Although no entry fee is mandated, entrants will have the opportunity to offer a voluntary contribution to The Poetry of Science upon entry. Voluntary contributions will be put toward materials and costs necessary to create and install our public art display in Cambridge.
Q. What type of work is eligible?
All poetry is acceptable, except for concrete (shape) poetry.
Q. Will any of the poetry I submit be published as part of this project?
For this project, we will only be publishing the work you create in collaboration with scientists. We are hoping you will submit work that showcases your poetic strengths and voice; that work will only be used as our juror is making final decisions.
Q. How many poems may I submit?
Please submit up to five poems in one file (you can only enter once).
Q. Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, we will accept simultaneous submissions.
Q. Is previously published work accepted?
This project will require you to create two new, original poems. As such, we accept submissions that contain previously published work as an example of your voice and style. Please indicate which of your poems (if any) have been published in your cover letter.
Q. Are there any eligibility restrictions based on my location?
Entry is limited to residents and those affiliated with the City of Cambridge, MA.
Q. How does the judging work?
Once the submission period closes, the juror will review all entries blindly (without entrants’ names). In collaboration with the juror, our team will select the winning entries and contact those poets to discuss next steps.
Q. How many poems will I have to create if I’m chosen to be part of this project?
Two. Each poet will collaborate with two different scientists and create one poem for each collaboration.
Q. When will I know when the final poets have been chosen?
We will announce the winners in May, 2021.
Q. Is there a prize for selected poets?
Yes. Selected poets will receive a $75 cash prize, and the original works they create as part of this project will be published in a dedicated issue of Spry Literary Journal.
Q. I have a question about entering not listed here. How do I get in touch?
If after reading our rules, submission guidelines, and FAQs you still have a question, please email us: contact@poetryofscience.org.