The structure of the DNA double helix was unraveled over sixty years ago! DNA Day, April 25, is now commemorated internationally as a celebration of Genetics and its promises. For the ninth year, the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG), will be sponsoring a DNA Day Essay contest in European high schools. Once again we will partner with the American Society of Human Genetics in this initiative; using similar essay questions, thus allowing a better assessment of knowledge and perspectives on genetics among students from both continents.

The essay contest is meant as a learning tool and a means to promote knowledge of genetics within Europe. 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.