The Award is intended to recognize authors and works specifically within the science fiction genre. Submitted stories should depict a world shaped by science and technology, with scientific advances and technological solutions serving as significant elements of the narrative.

No. Science fiction stories may explore a wide range of themes and subjects.

The competition considers works that demonstrate how science and technology can help address the challenges facing humanity. If a story is set in a dystopian world that becomes at least somewhat better by the end of the narrative, it may be submitted to the competition. However, all other things being equal, preference will be given to more optimistic and life-affirming works.

The use of AI tools in the preparation of a story is not prohibited. However, it is expected that the primary creative role in writing the story belongs to the author.

Yes. Stories written by two or more authors may be submitted to the competition. The manuscript must include the names of all co-authors. The submission form should designate one author as the primary contact for communication with the organizers.

Maps, character portraits, soundtracks, and other supplementary materials can enrich the reading experience and complement a story. However, the competition considers text-only submissions. Stories containing supplementary materials are not eligible for the Award.

No. The theme and competition introduction for each season are published on the Award’s official website.

Yes. A story may be resubmitted provided that it meets the current eligibility requirements. In particular, it must comply with the competition theme and must not have been published, either in whole or in part, as publication compromises the anonymity of the judging process.

No. Stories that have been published, whether in full or in part, are not eligible. This requirement exists because publication may make it possible to identify the author, which is contrary to the principle of anonymous evaluation.

Applicants should provide accurate and up-to-date information when completing the submission form.

Participants are encouraged to complete the submission form in Russian whenever possible. Applicants should indicate their city of residence and any social media accounts they maintain, if applicable.

The changes are substantial. First, a new screenplay category has been introduced. Second, the total prize fund has been increased. Third, the Award process continues to evolve with a focus on greater transparency and openness.
In particular, complete lists of all stories submitted to the competition that meet the eligibility requirements will be published. In addition, the process for creating the shortlist has been revised. The shortlist will now be selected by a public Expert Committee composed of professionals from the fields of publishing and science fiction.

The selection process will take place in several stages. First, lists of submitted stories will be published for all competition categories. Next, the readers will select the works to be included on the longlists. The Expert Committee will then compile the shortlists for each category. As in the first season, the winners of the Award will be determined by the Jury.

Readers are publishing professionals, critics, members of the science fiction fandom community, and scholars of science fiction. Their work is conducted anonymously: to ensure fairness, stories are evaluated without identifying information, and the readers themselves remain anonymous.

Readers evaluate stories using a system of criteria based on the Award Regulations.

There is no completely objective method for evaluating literary works. To ensure the highest possible degree of objectivity, each story is read by multiple readers. If there is a significant discrepancy between evaluations, the story is assigned an additional reading.

The Jury evaluates the works included on the shortlist. All Jury members are required to personally read every shortlisted story.

The nomination lists for all categories, as well as the longlists and shortlists, will be published on the Award’s website. Updates on the progress of the competition will also be posted on the Award’s official social media channels.

Works submitted for consideration for the Award are not reviewed and no editorial feedback is provided. However, members of the Expert Committee and the Jury may share their impressions of the works they have read.

Following the first season of the Award, an anthology of selected works was published. Information regarding the publication of works submitted during the second season will be announced at a later date.