Description

Nuclear Pop! Redefining Nuclear Energy in Popular Culture

Nuclear energy has been misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture for decades - from Homer Simpson dozing at control panels to three-eyed fish swimming near plants and eerie green goop threatening communities. Now it's time to "transmute" these dated stereotypes into accurate, positive representations. Move beyond glowing waste and mutant monsters to show nuclear energy's true present and future role in our world.

Selected works will be showcased at the IAEA's International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes in Vienna (May 26-30, 2025), putting your art at the center of a global conversation about nuclear energy's future.

Let nuclear be the hero of the story, as it is in real life! Your creative work can showcase nuclear's impact through any visual medium - digital art, animation, comics, video, or beyond.

From "D'oh!" to "Whoa!"
Transform bumbling plant workers into the skilled professionals they really are
Show the diverse faces and expertise behind nuclear innovation
From Mutant Fish to Thriving Ecosystems
Flip the script on environmental impact narratives
Reveal how nuclear energy protects rather than harms our planet

From Meltdown to Marvel
Challenge disaster-focused storytelling
Reveal how nuclear saved millions of lives by replacing coal

From Toxic Green to Clean Energy Blue
Reimagine the visual language of nuclear energy
Show the true face of the power that could save our climate

Explore these or similar concepts through your own unique creative vision and ideas. Your submission can directly challenge stereotypes, create new positive narratives, or highlight real-world applications that are often overlooked in popular media. All forms of creative expression are welcome as we work to transform the image of nuclear energy and showcase its true power and potential.

Eligibility - The contest is open to people of all ages and skill levels, from all IAEA Member States.

Participants may submit multiple entries. Only one prize eligible per participant.

Awards

First Place: $3,000
Second Place: $2,000
Third Place: $1,000
Ten (10) Finalist Gift Cards: $100 each to the Generation Atomic store

Additional Benefits:
Potential feature in a magazine/blog
Selected work will be exhibited at the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes
One finalist will be invited to attend the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes (travel expenses covered)
Selected work will be showcased on the IAEA and Generation Atomic websites

Submission Requirements
Acceptable Formats:

Digital Art
Illustrations
Comic Books
Paintings
Other Visual Media
Technical Specifications

Static Visual Work: JPEG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 25MB)
Video/Animation: MP4 or MOV format (maximum 5 minutes, 500MB)
Interactive/Web: Provide accessible link and documentation
Physical Artwork: High-quality documentation through photos/video
All visual documentation must be well-lit and clear
All required materials are listed in the submission form

Special Considerations

AI Usage Guidelines:
AI tools may be used to assist in the creative process but cannot be the sole creator. Works that are 100% AI-generated will not be accepted.
All AI assistance must be explicitly disclosed in the artist statement, including:
Which elements were created with AI assistance
Which AI tools were used
How AI was incorporated into your creative process
Failure to disclose AI usage will result in disqualification

Fan Art
We welcome creative interpretations of existing works that “transmute” the source material.
You may put a nuclear science spin on familiar characters or stories, challenge common tropes, or create new stories inspired by nuclear-themed media.
Please note your inspirations in your artist statement and ensure your work adds new creative elements.

Judging Criteria Panel Composition:
Six judges representing diverse geographic regions
Expertise in art, communications, and sciences

Evaluation Rubric:
40% Narrative & Creative Impact - How effectively does the work challenge stereotypes and tell a compelling story?
35% Artistic Merit - Quality of execution, technical skill, and innovative approach
25% Scientific Relevance - Connection to real-world nuclear applications and benefits