European Society of Human Genetics

The European Society of Human Genetics

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DNA-DAY 2012 - Directions

Fifth Annual European DNA Day Essay Contest
for High School Students

Deadline: Thursday, March 1, 2012

Directions

Choose from one of the following questions

Question 1: It is reported that it will soon be possible to sequence a person's genome for under 1000 Euros. Would you want to have your genome sequenced? What would be the potential advantages and disadvantages , particularly as related to your health? What would you like to know about your health risks and those of your family and what would you rather not know? How might this information lead you to modify your life style or life choices?
Question 2: Genes exert their influence on organisms by being turned on and off in precise ways and at precise times. Normal development and even behaviour are regulated by these processes, whereas birth defects and disease can result when problems arise during the process of "gene regulation". In the last 30 years, genomic research has uncovered many mechanisms affecting gene expression that earlier scientists could have never imagined. Choose a gene regulation process (some are listed below) and, using references to support your arguments, explain how that process, when it goes wrong, can be involved in the production of disease, such as cancer.

Examples of gene regulation mechanisms: repressors, activators, enhancers, RNA interference, uniparental disomy, imprinting, epigenetic changes to chromatin, environmental modifiers

Participants

Secondary school students between 14 and 18/19 years of age may enter the contest. All essays must be submitted by the student’s classroom teacher. As only three essays per class will be considered, teachers are urged to choose the best essays from a class to submit.

Length

The essay is strictly limited to 750 words. One optional figure or image can be included in the essay. Any figure legend will be included in the word count. A picture of the student should also be attached if possible.

Language

Whenever possible, please submit essays in English. However, students are welcome to write their essays in their own language and have them translated by their teachers/schools. If needed, the ESHG can provide translation. If the original document was written in a language other than English, please provide the original composition as well as the translated one.

Deadline

All essays must be received no later than March 1, 2012.

Submission

All essays must be submitted online via this website. Detailed instructions are given here.

Resources

Resources for students and teachers can be found here.

Scoring

Essays will be read and scored by at least two independent geneticists from the ESHG. Scoring will be based on Development/statement of hypothesis, discussion of current knowledge in field, and discussion of implications for individuals/society of research.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen. The winning students and their teachers will be announced on DNA Day, April 25. Their names, photos, and essays will then appear on the ESHG website.

Prizes

First Place Winner: EUR 300.-
In addition, sponsoring teachers of first place students will receive EUR 1.000.- to organise a science project or to purchase classroom equipment.

Second Place Winner: EUR 200.-
In addition, sponsoring teachers of first place students will receive EUR 800.- to organise a science project or to purchase classroom equipment

Third Place Winner: EUR 100.-
In addition, sponsoring teachers of first place students will receive EUR 500.- to organise a science project or to purchase classroom equipment

All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation for their participation in the contest.

Special Dates

November 15		Submissions opens
March 1		Deadline for the submission to the European Society of Human Genetics
April 25		DNA DAY
April 25		Essay contest winners will be announced

ACCESS THE INSTRUCTIONS PAGE