Actor Jamie Bamber to judge Faber's new YA sci-fi prize

"Battlestar Galactica" actor Jamie Bamber is among judges on the panel for Faber’s inaugural Imagined Futures Prize, which celebrates YA science fiction. 

The actor is joined by Laura Dodd, head book buyer at sci-fi book, toy and merchandise retailer Forbidden Planet, and Duncan Bell, professor of political thought and international relations at the University of Cambridge.

"My experience working on one of television’s modern sci-fi classics has changed my life. ’Battlestar Galactica’ was able to engage so many people at a moment when we felt we were in a civilisational crisis after the 9/11 attacks," said Bamber. "The message of that story was that hope, even if it has to be manufactured in the darkest of hours, is the oxygen of humanity; it sustains our collective faith that life can be lived well and with a purpose that supersedes each of us.

"As a father of three teenage girls who are each avid readers, I am convinced that science fiction is uniquely placed to explore the wider dramatic narrative of the human race and the hope that we must find if we are to negotiate the challenges our children will face. That is why I am particularly excited to be involved with Faber’s inaugural Imagined Futures Prize. I cannot wait to get reading."

Publisher Leah Thaxton launched the prize to discover fiction that shines a spotlight on the power and value of the natural world. A £15,000 publishing deal is on offer as first prize to the winning writer.

Dodd added: "We are very excited to be part of the Imagined Futures Prize this year. Indeed, Forbidden Planet has built its reputation over the last 42 years on all things and worlds fantastical! We are always delighted to help recognise the brightest new talents in the genre!"

Submissions opened on 8th November and will close on 9th September this year. Works "that boldly envisages a positive, sustainable new future for the planet at a time of extraordinary global change and societal and environmental turmoil" are encouraged.

Bell said he was "delighted to serve as a guest judge". "Sparking the imagination of young adults and inspiring them to think in creative and productive ways about how we might confront the climate crisis together, is a vital role for speculative literature," he continued. "I’m looking forward to reading some exciting stories."

Visit the prize website for more information.