Brilliant Poetry is back in 2025 with an exciting new theme, inviting poets from around the world to express the awe, mystery, and discovery of science through verse. This international competition gives you the chance to explore the strange beauty of the quantum world and win exciting cash prizes.
The 2025 Theme: IYQ
The theme for 2025 celebrates the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), marking a century since the foundational principles of quantum mechanics were first established. In this milestone year, Brilliant Poetry invites you to dive into the fascinating world of quantum science. Whether it’s the mystery of entanglement, the paradox of superposition, or the enigma of Schrödinger’s cat, we encourage you to explore the concepts that make quantum science so perplexing and beautiful.
What does quantum science evoke for you? How does it spark wonder, provoke curiosity, or even bewilder you? Whether you’re captivated by the elegance of quantum equations or the mind-bending potential of future technologies, this year’s theme offers boundless inspiration for poetic expression.
Quantum science is complex and awe-inspiring, perfect for poetic exploration. From quantum entanglement, where particles remain interconnected over vast distances, to superposition, where particles can exist in multiple states at once, there is so much to marvel at. And, of course, there’s Schrödinger’s cat, the famous thought experiment that asks whether a cat is alive or dead, depending on the state of a quantum system.
Photonics, as a key area of quantum science, brings a particularly exciting dimension to this theme. The world of light and its quantum properties—like how photons can be both particles and waves—offers an endless playground for exploration. The interaction of light with matter at the quantum level not only leads to breakthroughs in communication and computing but also opens up exciting possibilities for the future, from quantum encryption to revolutionary new technologies in imaging and sensing. Photonics brings quantum principles to life in vibrant, tangible ways that make it a fun and compelling subject for poets to explore.
Quantum science is not just a realm for physicists; it’s a wellspring of inspiration for poets, artists, and thinkers alike. This is your opportunity to reflect on how these concepts ignite curiosity and challenge our understanding of the universe.
What is Brilliant Poetry and The Brilliant?
Brilliant Poetry is more than just a competition—it’s a platform that champions the power of poetry to make the complex and often abstract world of scientific inquiry accessible and captivating to all. The competition seeks to reinforce the value of artistic expression by expanding our perception of what it means to know and to discover.
Brilliant Poetry offers fantastic cash prizes for the top three poems, so if you have a passion for blending science and creativity, don’t miss your chance to compete. First prize is £1000, second prize is £500, and third prize is £250. Each entry will be judged for its originality, engagement with quantum themes, and the creative expression of scientific concepts. Your poem could be the one that inspires a global audience while celebrating a revolutionary field of science!
This initiative is powered by The Brilliant, a global online publication founded by Kylie Ahern, dedicated to science communication. The Brilliant showcases the work of extraordinary people and institutions, exploring how science communication is used to amplify the impact of research and innovations. It also highlights the human stories behind those who guide our understanding of science. Through Brilliant Poetry, the publication continues its mission to foster a deeper connection between science and the public by blending artistic expression with scientific exploration.
Key Dates for Brilliant Poetry 2025
Mark your calendars and start drafting your masterpiece. Here’s what you need to know about the competition timeline:
- June 20, 2025
Submissions close at 23:59 BST (British Summer Time). Be sure to get your poem in on time! - July – September 2025
The organizing committee reviews all entries, selecting a longlist of approximately 30-40 poems. - September 2025
The judging panel narrows down the longlist to a shortlist of 10 standout poems. - October 2025
The shortlist of the top 10 poems is officially announced. - November 10, 2025 — World Science Day for Peace and Development
The winners are revealed and celebrated!
How to Enter
To participate, simply submit your poem online during the submission period. All entries must be original work, and while there are no restrictions on style, length, or form, the poem must engage meaningfully with the theme of quantum science and technology. The competition is open to poets from all backgrounds and experience levels, so don’t hesitate to share your unique perspective on the quantum world.
Don’t miss your chance to join this global celebration of science, creativity, and discovery. Start writing your quantum-inspired poem today and be part of Brilliant Poetry 2025! We can’t wait to see how you capture the fascinating world of quantum science through verse.
