How It Works

Sparrow aims to create a bridge between researchers and the general public. Our Digests communicate science in a layman-friendly way, free of any financial or political agenda, and without compromising scientific integrity.

To win the $500 Grant, you need to pick a topic from the ones listed below (or get in touch to suggest one) and follow these general guidelines:

  • Keep it short and relevant to Sparrow’s lay audience (850 words max.)

  • Based on a 'main' research paper that is linked below (or another relevant topic pre-approved by our editor submissions@sparrow.science)

  • Sum it up with “In 10 seconds?” at a high level

  • Aim for 7-8 paragraphs in a Question & Answer format (essential to be considered)

  • Imagine you are talking to a skeptical friend who is probing you

  • Provide inline links to the ‘main paper’ and high-quality research papers supporting your statements (1-2 per paragraph)

  • Critically assess the quality of the evidence

  • Explain the practical application and what we can expect in the future

  • Round it up with interesting details about the topic

Topic Areas and Main Papers

Pick a topic from your research area, craft a Digest and attach it to your application form.

Mind/Mental Health/Psychology

1) Working title: Will your game console turn you into a better decision-maker?

Based on this paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666956022000368

Background story: https://scitechdaily.com/research-shows-video-game-players-have-enhanced-brain-activity-and-superior-decision-making-skills

2) Working title: What is Dissociative Identity Disorder featured in Marvel’s ‘Moonknight’ and how to treat it?

Based on this paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0004867414527523

Background story: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/yna-did#what-it-is

3) Working title: Will your game console turn you into a better decision-maker?

Based on this paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666956022000368

Background story: https://scitechdaily.com/research-shows-video-game-players-have-enhanced-brain-activity-and-superior-decision-making-skills/

Climate Change/Environment/Solutions

1) Working title: This method takes the ‘forever’ out of chemicals polluting water

Based on this paper: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm8868

Background story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220818163721.htm


2) Working title: Less known greenhouse gas is released from soil... after thaw

Based on this paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168192322002957?via%3Dihub

Background story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220823170744.htm

    Reproductive Health

    1) Working Title: ‘Reproductive genes’ help some women stay fertile for longer

    Based on this paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03779-7

    Background story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210804123454.htm

    2) Working Title: Less regulated reproductive rights result in healthier babies

    Based on this paper: https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(20)30372-X/fulltext

    Background story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201013090246.htm

    3) Working Title: What is infertility-causing tube blockage in men and how is it treated?

    Based on this research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6987592/

    Background story: https://indianexpress.com/article/parenting/health-fitness/infertility-due-to-blockage-of-tubes-causes-and-treatment-7815927/

      Do you have an idea for a digest that is within these topic areas?

      • Pitch the idea to our Editorial Team at submissions@sparrow.science