Up to 10 Minutes
Create a concise video clip. Shorter, punchy storytelling is encouraged.
About
Today's breakthroughs stand on the shoulders of giants
Behind every major breakthrough, published paper, and prestigious award won by University of Houston faculty, there is a foundational pioneer who paved the way. The UH on the Shoulders of Giants Video Competition challenges students to shine a spotlight on these foundational figures and the ideas that made later achievements possible.
Small teams of students will produce a short documentary-style video exploring a historical figure in science or engineering whose critical contribution set the stage for a specific, notable success among UH faculty. Whether it is a mathematician whose theorem enabled a recent engineering advance or an early chemist whose research helped lead to a medical breakthrough, the goal is to tell that connection clearly and creatively.
1–3 Students
Enter individually or form a team of up to three currently enrolled UH students.
Any Creative Format
Live action, animation, documentary narration, whiteboard storytelling, and other formats are welcome.
Challenge Overview
Connect a pioneer to a UH breakthrough.
Create an engaging, informative, and creative video clip detailing the connection between a past pioneer in science or engineering and a modern-day success achieved by a University of Houston faculty member.
- Identify both figures. Clearly name the historical pioneer and the UH faculty member.
- Explain the connection. Show how the earlier work directly set the stage for the modern achievement.
- Keep it accurate. Research the scientific or engineering relationship carefully and explain it clearly.
- Make it engaging. Present the story so a general audience can understand why the connection matters.
- Keep it concise. The finished video may not exceed 10 minutes.
Judging Criteria
What judges will look for
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of UH faculty.
01
Accuracy & Research
How clearly and accurately the scientific or engineering connection is explained.
02
Storytelling & Engagement
Whether the video is captivating, coherent, and understandable to a general audience.
03
Creativity & Production
How effectively the team uses its format, time, and resources to tell the story.
Competition Schedule
Important dates & submissions
Plan your research, production, and revisions around these milestones.
January 15, 2027
Registration Deadline
Register your team of one to three UH students.
February 1, 2027
Proposed Researcher
Submit the proposed researcher or historical pioneer who will be featured in your project.
March 20, 2027
Video Submission
Submit your completed competition video.
April 7, 2027
Four Finalists Selected
Four finalists will be selected and invited to revise their entries before the final deadline.
April 14, 2027
Finalist Resubmission
Finalists have until this date to resubmit their videos with modifications.
April 20, 2027
Winners Announced
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners will be announced.
Ready to Register Your Team?
Ensure your team meets all qualifications.
- All team members are eligible UH main campus students for Fall 2026.
- Designated team leader with UH Cougarnet ID and email address.
- Unique team name confirmed.
- Understanding of E10+ rating, AI, copyright, and content rules.
Team Registration
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the contest, please reach out to Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, Vice Provost for Education Innovation & Technology at jjmorgan@Central.UH.EDU.