When students tell the story of science: behind the scenes of the award-winning video about STICS.
The video “STICS: When Science Shortens the Queue” won first place and the Expert Jury Award in the national SAVIA competition “Her Science, Her Story”. The award-winning project was created on the initiative of students from the Faculty of Economics at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, and offers an authentic view from the younger generation on Slovakia’s innovation ecosystem and the value of connecting science with practice.
Behind the winning video are students Lívia Lietavová, Sára Zaťková and Timea Kupcová, who chose to present the STICS project in a way that is easy to understand, visually appealing and technically sound at the same time. Their aim was not simply to meet the competition brief, but to show that science need not stay locked away in technical reports and strategies. On the contrary, it can be close to people and have a real impact on everyday life.
“We wanted to make a video about STICS, a strong project that can have an impact on our whole society. It was inspiring for us to see how theory connects with practice, and how we as students can also help raise awareness of the innovation ecosystem in Slovakia,” said the authors of the award-winning video.
From the first idea to the final cut, entirely in the students’ hands
The award-winning video was created as a fully independent student project, with the students in control of the entire creative process: from the initial idea and script, through the creative concept and visual treatment, to the filming, editing and post-production. The project came together without a large crew or professional facilities, but with a clear vision and genuine enthusiasm for a topic that had captured their interest.
An important part of the video was highlighting the role of the women, both researchers and managers, involved in the STICS project. The authors wanted to draw attention to the significance of women in science and innovation, and at the same time show that the younger generation sees these topics as a natural part of a modern innovation environment.
Behind the scenes: authenticity over perfection
One of the reasons the video appealed to the expert jury is its authenticity. The script evolved naturally during filming and was adapted to capture as closely as possible the dynamics of the project and the energy the students wanted to convey. Each of the authors took on a specific role, from directing through camera work to editing, bringing her own ideas, perspective and skills to the result.
Another strong theme was the chance to showcase the work of the researchers and specialists involved in the STICS project, and to show that innovative projects do not only matter on paper but can genuinely shape how society and the regions function.
A double award as confirmation of quality
The video “STICS: When Science Shortens the Queue” won shared first place and the Expert Jury Award, confirming that it impressed not only on the formal criteria but also on practitioners in the field. The jury particularly praised its originality, clear message, professional standard and its ability to bring a complex topic like innovation closer to a wider audience.
More than a competition video
The award-winning video has gradually become a strong communication tool for the STICS project and an inspiration for further activities. It shows that science and research can be presented in a modern, accessible and engaging way, one that speaks not only to the professional community but also to the younger generation and the general public.
At the same time it naturally reflects the values of the STICS project: innovation, collaboration and connecting the academic world with practice. It is proof that when students are given space and trust, they can produce work with real impact.