National Eye Institute Launches Fifth Annual Teen Video Contest to Inspire Teens to Explore Science

BETHESDA, Md., January 12, 2026 - The National Eye Institute (NEI) has launched the fifth annual Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest to inspire high school students from all backgrounds to explore the world of science. Through this initiative, NEI aims to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage young minds to envision themselves in future scientific careers.

Students in grades 9-12 nationwide are invited to submit a short video demonstrating the science in their world, science in action, or science in their future. A panel of judges will select one winner from each category to receive a cash prize. NEI's Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest begins on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. The deadline to submit is Sunday, April 19, 2026.

"NEI's mission is to eliminate vision loss and enhance quality of life through groundbreaking research," said NEI Director Michael F. Chiang. "To achieve that, we must inspire a talented and diverse new generation to pursue careers in science. The Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest gives young people a platform to share what excites them about science and offers every participant a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities of a future in scientific research."

How To Participate

All students in grades 9-12 in the United States or its territories are invited to participate in NEI's Eye on the Future Video Contest. Students may work on their own or with a group of up to three people. Videos must be between 30 seconds and three minutes long, excluding credits, and respond to one of the contest categories below. Entries can be submitted between January 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. ET through April 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET, or once the first 300 submissions have been received.

Contest Categories Overview

Below is an overview of contest categories. Visit the contest website for more details.

Category 1: Science in your world
Teach us about a discovery that impacts your life or the ways you see science currently making a difference in it.
Category 2: Science in action
Show us some science in action by demonstrating an experiment.
Category 3: Science in your future
Describe how science will affect the future or teach us about the way a current discovery will impact our future.

Judging

NEI judges will review all submissions to make sure they follow the contest rules. The judges will then evaluate each video on scientific context, accuracy, relevance, engagement, and creativity. Bonus points will be awarded to videos related to eye health or vision science.

Prizes

• For each of the three categories for submissions, the first-place winner will receive a cash prize.
• For group winners, the prize money will be split among the team.

For more information and the complete list of rules and eligibility requirements, visit nei.nih.gov/EyeOnTheFuture.

About the National Eye Institute (NEI): For more than 50 years, NEI has been on the front lines of vision research-and continues to support cutting-edge research projects that investigate new ways to prevent, treat, or even reverse vision loss. The institute works hard to help the public learn about vision problems and how to keep their eyes healthy.

Media Contact:

Kathryn Demott
National Eye Institute
(301) 496-5248
[email protected]