Brilliant Poetry Competition Returns in 2025, Celebrating The International Year of Quantum 

MEDIA RELEASE

Entries open on World Poetry Day – 21 March 2025

Edinburgh, Thursday 13^th March 2025. The Brilliant Poetry Competition is back for its second year, celebrating the rich connections between science and poetry. Following the success of the inaugural competition, which drew 375 entries from 36 countries, the 2025 edition aims to be even more ambitious, fostering creative exploration of quantum themes.

The initiative is led by Professor Sam Illingworth, science poetry academic at Edinburgh Napier University, and Kylie Ahern, publisher of The Brilliant – a world-leading science communication platform – and CEO of STEM Matters.

This year, the competition proudly aligns with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), marking a century since the foundations of quantum mechanics. Poets are invited to engage with the wonders of quantum science, alongside any other scientific themes that inspire them.

A Platform for Science-Inspired Poetry

“The best poetry, like the best science, is about curiosity, observation, and making sense of the world in new ways,” said Professor Sam Illingworth. “Brilliant (Quantum) Poetry is a space for writers to explore science with both wonder and precision, creating work that resonates across disciplines.”

“We were astounded by the emotional depth and creative ingenuity in last year’s entries,” said Kylie Ahern. “The links between the arts and sciences are undeniable – both demand innovation, imagination, and a deep engagement with the unknown. We cannot wait to see how poets bring quantum science and other fields to life through verse.”

Meet the Judges

This year’s competition features an esteemed panel of judges, including Diego Golombek, an internationally recognised biologist, science communicator, and award-winning author. Golombek, who has long championed the intersection of science and culture, brings a unique perspective to evaluating work that bridges scientific thought with poetic expression.

Prizes and Key Dates

The Brilliant (Quantum) Poetry Competition is free to enter and open to writers worldwide.

• Submissions open: 21 March 2025 (World Poetry Day)
• Deadline: 20 June 2025
• Prizes: £1,000 for first place, £500 for second, £250 for third. Winning poems will be published and featured in a live online reading event.

For further information:

Europe
Professor Sam Illingworth, Edinburgh Napier University
📞 +44 (0) 7886 238 517
📧 S.Illingworth@napier.ac.uk

USA/Asia/Australia
Kylie Ahern, STEM Matters
📞 +61 (0) 416 196 942
📧 kylie@stemmatters.com.au

Join us in celebrating the fusion of science and poetry – where words meet wonder.