Creators: Want to Represent Your State? Apply Here
Frequently Asked Questions
50X50: Science Across America is a new YouTube series by the Independent Media Initiative (IMI) to uncover the most compelling science in America. We’re partnering with 50 creators and 50 scientists across each of the 50 states to publish 50 videos in celebration of American science. From physics to chemistry, agriculture to biomedicine, geology to astronomy, 50X50 Science explores science as it exists everywhere. Each creator will profile a researcher in their native state to create a panorama of American science, and share it on their own YouTube channel for a platform-wide takeover spanning 50 days.
Participating in 50x50 comes with a $10,000 grant. Additionally, you’ll have access to a network of America’s most interesting scientists and a community of top internet creators.
Creators will make videos in the style of their personal channels.
Creators will post videos on their personal channel on YouTube, and in collaboration with a new YouTube channel for 50x50 Science Across America.
IMI is now accepting submissions via this form.
Creators should have a meaningful connection to the state, but you don’t have to currently live there. State pride is a huge part of this project!
50X50 Science Across America is happening this fall! Videos will roll out region-by-region across the United States starting in September and ending in November, 2026. The 50 creators will be selected by early April 2026.
Yes! We welcome creators with all types of backgrounds and expertise. If you have a story to tell, we want to hear about it.
No, with an asterisk. The videos in 50x50 will be true to the style of the channels contributing. In cases where researchers do not typically fit that style, we’ll collaborate with you on how to incorporate them on an individual basis.
50x50, together with production partner HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, has access to many of the country’s most exceptional scientists. If you're in search of a story, we can help matchmake!
This is a YouTube-first project. You must have an existing longform YouTube channel to participate.
Probably yes – we’ll work with creators on a case-by-case basis to make sure we’re aligned.