The Nine Dots Prize
@ninedotsprize.org
We’re a book prize for a book that hasn’t been written yet. Every two years we ask a thought-provoking question, the best response wins $100,000 + a book deal.
Pinned
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2024/25 Nine Dots Prize is Stanford lecturer and science journalist Grace Huckins, for their “exceptional” response to the question ‘Is data failing us?’
@crasshlive.bsky.social @cambridgeup.bsky.social
@crasshlive.bsky.social @cambridgeup.bsky.social
Writing is not measured only by its longevity, but also by its sincerity. A reminder that writing earnestly and led by your own curiosity is often where the most interesting work begins.
January 21, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Writing is not measured only by its longevity, but also by its sincerity. A reminder that writing earnestly and led by your own curiosity is often where the most interesting work begins.
What place do the arts and culture have in academic research?
This important question will be addressed next week by academics working in a range of disciplines, as part of the @crasshlive.bsky.social Connections event.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/49069/
This important question will be addressed next week by academics working in a range of disciplines, as part of the @crasshlive.bsky.social Connections event.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/49069/
Cambridge’s Cultural Compact: Creating a thriving and inclusive culture of the Arts in Cambridge - CRASSH
Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
January 16, 2026 at 11:07 AM
What place do the arts and culture have in academic research?
This important question will be addressed next week by academics working in a range of disciplines, as part of the @crasshlive.bsky.social Connections event.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/49069/
This important question will be addressed next week by academics working in a range of disciplines, as part of the @crasshlive.bsky.social Connections event.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/49069/
For some, January is a quieter time. In these moments, we can focus on our intentions for the months ahead and set our goals accordingly.
What do you want to accomplish with your writing this year?
#Writing #Writinggoals #Resolutions
What do you want to accomplish with your writing this year?
#Writing #Writinggoals #Resolutions
January 9, 2026 at 3:38 PM
For some, January is a quieter time. In these moments, we can focus on our intentions for the months ahead and set our goals accordingly.
What do you want to accomplish with your writing this year?
#Writing #Writinggoals #Resolutions
What do you want to accomplish with your writing this year?
#Writing #Writinggoals #Resolutions
The new year doesn’t have to mean reinventing your work or your ideas. It could be a great opportunity to return to projects you previously left unfinished, half-read essays or other work yet to be completed.
#NewYears #NewYearResolutions
#NewYears #NewYearResolutions
January 7, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The new year doesn’t have to mean reinventing your work or your ideas. It could be a great opportunity to return to projects you previously left unfinished, half-read essays or other work yet to be completed.
#NewYears #NewYearResolutions
#NewYears #NewYearResolutions
As we approach the new year, these quieter days offer space for thought and are a great opportunity to return to your half formed ideas and explore unfinished drafts.
December 29, 2025 at 12:01 PM
As we approach the new year, these quieter days offer space for thought and are a great opportunity to return to your half formed ideas and explore unfinished drafts.
Wishing all our followers a wonderful holiday season. Thank you to everyone who contributed their responses to this Prize cycle and to all the conversations and questions that have shaped this year.
December 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Wishing all our followers a wonderful holiday season. Thank you to everyone who contributed their responses to this Prize cycle and to all the conversations and questions that have shaped this year.
As we prepare to wrap up a very exciting year and look forward to the next, now would be a great time to revisit Grace Huckins’ brilliant, Prize-winning response as we prepare for the publication of their book next year.
ninedotsprize.org/extract-from...
ninedotsprize.org/extract-from...
Extract from Grace Huckins' winning entry - The Nine Dots Prize
GRACE HUCKINS – THE END OF UNDERSTANDING Ask any neuroscientist about “the microprocessor paper,” and they’ll immediately know what you mean. It’s a quirky bit of research, led by a quirky scientist: ...
ninedotsprize.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
As we prepare to wrap up a very exciting year and look forward to the next, now would be a great time to revisit Grace Huckins’ brilliant, Prize-winning response as we prepare for the publication of their book next year.
ninedotsprize.org/extract-from...
ninedotsprize.org/extract-from...
Last chance next week! ‘Family Matters: Holding you up’ brings together 18 artists’ photographs, paintings, performances, films, sculptures, toys & drawings, offering imaginative and playful ways to consider the impacts of family.
@crasshlive.bsky.social
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
@crasshlive.bsky.social
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
Exhibition | Family Matters: Holding you up - CRASSH
Art at the Alison Richard Building
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
December 12, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Last chance next week! ‘Family Matters: Holding you up’ brings together 18 artists’ photographs, paintings, performances, films, sculptures, toys & drawings, offering imaginative and playful ways to consider the impacts of family.
@crasshlive.bsky.social
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
@crasshlive.bsky.social
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
Will generative AI lead to a loss of creativity and de-skilling in younger generations? Dive into @clemicollett.bsky.social new report into generative AI's impact on the novel:
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/blog/impact-...
@mctd.bsky.social
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/blog/impact-...
@mctd.bsky.social
Impact of Generative AI on the Novel - CRASSH
Dr Clementine Collett examines how industry practitioners, from novelists to publishers, are experiencing AI’s significant impacts
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
December 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Will generative AI lead to a loss of creativity and de-skilling in younger generations? Dive into @clemicollett.bsky.social new report into generative AI's impact on the novel:
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/blog/impact-...
@mctd.bsky.social
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/blog/impact-...
@mctd.bsky.social
CRASSH has a number of fellowships open for applications, inviting scholars all over the world to interact with and contribute to the vibrant interdisciplinary research environment they have fostered.
For further details, click the link below:
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/fellowships
For further details, click the link below:
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/fellowships
December 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM
CRASSH has a number of fellowships open for applications, inviting scholars all over the world to interact with and contribute to the vibrant interdisciplinary research environment they have fostered.
For further details, click the link below:
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/fellowships
For further details, click the link below:
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/fellowships
Is there a piece of writing that has changed how you see something ordinary? A place, a habit or a belief? We love hearing more about which essays you are reading and how they shift your perspectives.
November 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Is there a piece of writing that has changed how you see something ordinary? A place, a habit or a belief? We love hearing more about which essays you are reading and how they shift your perspectives.
A reminder that our podcast deepens our conversations about the essay and its defining features - exploring beginnings and endings, how to write creatively and much more.
Listen to the podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
Listen to the podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
Nine Dots Prize podcast
Books Podcast · The Nine Dots Prize is a prize for creative thinking that tackles contemporary societal issues. The aim of the Prize is to promote, encourage and engage innovative thinking to address ...
podcasts.apple.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:36 PM
A reminder that our podcast deepens our conversations about the essay and its defining features - exploring beginnings and endings, how to write creatively and much more.
Listen to the podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
Listen to the podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/n...
This Thursday, join @crasshlive.bsky.social for the launch of @clemicollett.bsky.social's new report on how GenAI is impacting novelists & publishing. Hear from an expert panel as they discuss key findings from the report.
@mctd.bsky.social
Join the discussion: www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48948/
@mctd.bsky.social
Join the discussion: www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48948/
Report Launch: The Impact of Generative AI on the Novel - CRASSH
Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
November 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This Thursday, join @crasshlive.bsky.social for the launch of @clemicollett.bsky.social's new report on how GenAI is impacting novelists & publishing. Hear from an expert panel as they discuss key findings from the report.
@mctd.bsky.social
Join the discussion: www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48948/
@mctd.bsky.social
Join the discussion: www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48948/
Writing thrives on reading and @crasshlive.bsky.social’s library of books, articles and academic papers offers a wealth of thought to broaden your ideas.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/pub...
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/pub...
Publications - CRASSH
A collection of books, articles and publications written, co-authored, and edited by members of CRASSH.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
November 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Writing thrives on reading and @crasshlive.bsky.social’s library of books, articles and academic papers offers a wealth of thought to broaden your ideas.
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/pub...
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/research/pub...
Every Thursday during this term, CRASSH will be holding seminars exploring some of the creative, critical, ethical, political or methodological aspects of research as a practice.
#descriptionscription" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48474/#description
#descriptionscription" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48474/#description
Rethinking inclusion and exclusion of women in historical practice - CRASSH
Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
November 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Every Thursday during this term, CRASSH will be holding seminars exploring some of the creative, critical, ethical, political or methodological aspects of research as a practice.
#descriptionscription" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48474/#description
#descriptionscription" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48474/#description
As the month of October comes to an end, which essays have you read lately that you think are likely to leave a lasting impression? Or introduced you to new ideas?
Share your favourites with us below!
Share your favourites with us below!
October 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
As the month of October comes to an end, which essays have you read lately that you think are likely to leave a lasting impression? Or introduced you to new ideas?
Share your favourites with us below!
Share your favourites with us below!
Why not take on one of our previous Prize questions?
Practice is a key part of developing your writing, and we have five questions from our previous cycles to get you started.
Practice is a key part of developing your writing, and we have five questions from our previous cycles to get you started.
October 30, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Why not take on one of our previous Prize questions?
Practice is a key part of developing your writing, and we have five questions from our previous cycles to get you started.
Practice is a key part of developing your writing, and we have five questions from our previous cycles to get you started.
Family Matters:Holding You Up is now open at @crasshlive.bsky.social until December
18 artists explore how family shapes us through pieces that navigate childhood experiences, parental strain and persistence, the impacts of social position and migration, and more
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
18 artists explore how family shapes us through pieces that navigate childhood experiences, parental strain and persistence, the impacts of social position and migration, and more
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
Exhibition | Family Matters: Holding you up - CRASSH
Art at the Alison Richard Building
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
October 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Family Matters:Holding You Up is now open at @crasshlive.bsky.social until December
18 artists explore how family shapes us through pieces that navigate childhood experiences, parental strain and persistence, the impacts of social position and migration, and more
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
18 artists explore how family shapes us through pieces that navigate childhood experiences, parental strain and persistence, the impacts of social position and migration, and more
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/47902/
Join CRASSH on 23rd October as Grace Huckins, our 2024/25 winner, discusses their work-in-progress book, expanded from their winning entry. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from our winner and what made their essay so compelling.
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
October 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Join CRASSH on 23rd October as Grace Huckins, our 2024/25 winner, discusses their work-in-progress book, expanded from their winning entry. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from our winner and what made their essay so compelling.
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
On Wednesday, join us in celebrating the launch of the Cambridge Handbook of Generative AI and the Law, which brings together experts to explore the legal and regulatory implications of GenAI across jurisdictions and disciplines
Cambridge University Press
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48069/
Cambridge University Press
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48069/
Book Launch: Cambridge Handbook of Generative AI and the Law - CRASSH
Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
October 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
On Wednesday, join us in celebrating the launch of the Cambridge Handbook of Generative AI and the Law, which brings together experts to explore the legal and regulatory implications of GenAI across jurisdictions and disciplines
Cambridge University Press
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48069/
Cambridge University Press
https://www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48069/
Our board members are experts in a range of subjects, from economics and ecology to political science and palaeontology. Our first winner, James Williams joined our board for this Prize cycle and brings his expertise as a writer and technology ethicist.
October 2, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Our board members are experts in a range of subjects, from economics and ecology to political science and palaeontology. Our first winner, James Williams joined our board for this Prize cycle and brings his expertise as a writer and technology ethicist.
On #InternationalPodcastDay we celebrate the power of conversation. You can find our own podcast below, which brings together great writers, thinkers, and creatives. What podcasts have changed your way of thinking?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nine-dots-prize-podcast/id1531329491
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nine-dots-prize-podcast/id1531329491
Nine Dots Prize podcast
Books Podcast · The Nine Dots Prize is a prize for creative thinking that tackles contemporary societal issues. The aim of the Prize is to promote, encourage and engage innovative thinking to address problems facing …
podcasts.apple.com
September 30, 2025 at 12:01 PM
On #InternationalPodcastDay we celebrate the power of conversation. You can find our own podcast below, which brings together great writers, thinkers, and creatives. What podcasts have changed your way of thinking?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nine-dots-prize-podcast/id1531329491
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nine-dots-prize-podcast/id1531329491
On 23rd October, join @crasshlive.bsky.social for a special online seminar with Nine Dots Prize winner @grace_huckins that will provide an early insight into their work-in-progress book, including a draft chapter.
Register to attend here:
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
Register to attend here:
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
The End of Understanding: How AI is changing the practice and purpose of science - CRASSH
Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk
September 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
On 23rd October, join @crasshlive.bsky.social for a special online seminar with Nine Dots Prize winner @grace_huckins that will provide an early insight into their work-in-progress book, including a draft chapter.
Register to attend here:
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
Register to attend here:
www.crassh.cam.ac.uk/events/48106/
Albert Camus said “the purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.”
What is the purpose of writing for you?
What is the purpose of writing for you?
September 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Albert Camus said “the purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.”
What is the purpose of writing for you?
What is the purpose of writing for you?
Writing tip of the day: Make sure to read your work out loud. This is a great way to spot simple mistakes, awkward phrasing and unnecessary sentences that only become clear when spoken.
#writingtip
#writingtip
September 12, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Writing tip of the day: Make sure to read your work out loud. This is a great way to spot simple mistakes, awkward phrasing and unnecessary sentences that only become clear when spoken.
#writingtip
#writingtip