What is the DNA DAY Contest?
The structure of the DNA double helix was unraveled more than seventy years ago. DNA Day, April 25, is commemorated internationally as a celebration of Genetics and its promises. For the 19th year, the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG), will be sponsoring a DNA Day Essay and Video contest in high schools all over the world.
The essay and video contest is meant as a learning tool and a searches to promote knowledge of genetics. It intends to challenge students to examine, question and reflect on the importance and social implications of genetic research and its applications. Essays are expected to contain substantive, well-reasoned arguments indicative of a depth of understanding of the issues addressed by the selected essay question.
What’s the 2027 topic?
This year’s question is:
Beyond DNA: How Epigenetics Shapes Human Identity, Health, and Behavior. Explore how chemical modifications to DNA influence gene activity, how environmental factors can alter epigenetic marks, and how these changes may affect development, disease risk, and even transgenerational inheritance.
Decide:
- Write a 750 word essay of your own, OR
- Make a short video (max. 5 min) of your own
Prizes
First Place Winner: EUR 400
In addition, sponsoring teachers of 1st place students will receive EUR 1,000 to organise a science project.
Second Place Winner: EUR 300
In addition, sponsoring teachers of 2nd place students will receive EUR 800 to organise a science project.
Third Place Winner: EUR 200
In addition, sponsoring teachers of 3rd place students will receive EUR 500 to organise a science project.
All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation for their participation in the contest.
Important Dates
October: Submissions opens
April 25: Deadline for the submission to the European Society of Human Genetics
April 25: DNA DAY
April 25 – June 10: An international jury of scientists are judging the submissions
Mid June: Essay contest winners will be announced to the public
Statistics since the beginning of the DNA Day Essay Contest in 2009 (videos were started in 2018):
