In the wake of the interest and success generated by the first edition, the national research institute Area Science Park and La Cappella Underground, Film and Audiovisual Research and Experimentation Center, organizer of the Trieste Science+ Fiction Festival, are launching the second edition of the Mondofuturo Literary Prize, an award for the best original, untranslated science fiction book published in Italy in 2024.
The competition aims to explore new ways of promoting cultural growth and interest in science and literature, using science fiction as a vehicle to catalyze attention. Science and science fiction have many points of convergence, as the famous writer Philip K. Dick reminds us when he says that “Science fiction is a genre […] suitable for those who want to ask uncomfortable questions”; the same is true of science, which in many cases takes its cue from questions that are not always obvious or predictable.
Individual authors and/or publishing houses can participate in the Mondofuturo Prize, submitting a maximum of two works (novels/short stories or collections of short stories) on the theme of science fiction or related to the theme, even if they do not belong to a specific series. Works can be submitted no later than April 1, 2025. A jury of experts composed of journalists, writers, and university professors will select the three finalists from among the candidates. The winner will be chosen by a jury of scientists, who will award the prize to the work that best expresses a scientific, technological, and social vision. The award ceremony and presentation of the three finalist books will be hosted during the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, scheduled to take place in Trieste from October 28 to November 2, 2025. The rules and forms for participation are available at the following link: MONDOFUTURO LITERARY AWARD – SECOND EDITION.
“Last year, we launched the Award with the idea of exploring new ways to communicate scientific research. The interest and curiosity that the initiative has generated, even among younger people, has confirmed that the crossover between science, literature, and science fiction is a fascinating area of exploration for everyone, including our young researchers who have put themselves to the test in the role of jurors,” commented Area Science Park President Caterina Petrillo, who added “For the 2025 edition, the scientific community will take on an even more central role: researchers working at Area Science Park, together with a group of internationally renowned scientists, will choose the winner from among the three finalists. This is exciting news for this edition.”
But that’s not the only news. Area Science Park and La Cappella Underground are also considering involving high school students in the initiative.
“With the 2024 edition of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, we plunged wholeheartedly into the world of science fiction literature, receiving sincere appreciation from the audience and professionals alike,” said Chiara Barbo, President of La Cappella Underground. This year’s goal will be to try to further expand the audience by involving schools and young people with activities dedicated to them, thereby strengthening the link between an increasingly diverse audience, science, and science fiction. For our association, the collaboration with Area Science Park will once again be essential in finding new ways to disseminate science and explore the relationship between science and science fiction.”
