The federal government’s funding agency for science and engineering research is yelling lights, camera, action.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council is holding a video contest for students doing NSERC-funded research. If students can explain their research in a compelling way in 60 seconds or less, they have a chance to win one of 15 cash prizes. First prize is $3,500. There’s also a special category for research in or about Canada’s North. The winner in that category gets $3,000.

Winning videos will be used as part of museum exhibits, at science fairs and other events like Science Odyssey and Science Literacy Week.

“This is your chance to connect with thousands of Canadians and show them why research matters,” NSERC said in announcing the contest. “Grab a camera, tell your story and show us your science!”

Students must be 18 or older and enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible.

Videos are submitted electronically along with a short biography no longer than 100 words. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 18.

Find more information on the Science, Action! contest website.