General Information - Written Essay
Topic
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of pluripotent cells that can be obtained by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells. Give your opinion on what opportunities this technology should be used for, and what potential applications should be avoided. Support your reasoning with examples.
Participants
Secondary school students between 14 and 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 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 April 25, 2023, 24.00 hrs CET.
Submission
All essays must be submitted online via this website. Detailed instructions are given here.
Submissions by email can unfortunately not be accepted.
Resources
The ESHG has facilitated a very interesting website with diverse Genetic Educational Resources.
Check www.eurogems.org for more information.
Scoring
Essays will be read and scored by at least three independent geneticists from the ESHG. Scoring will be based on the following criteria:
- Overall accuracy of genetic content (0-7 pts)
- Use of evidence to support an argument (0-3 pts)
- Is the essay focused on question? (0-3 pts)
- Writing quality (clear thesis, composition) (0-5 pts)
- General impression - personnal information (0-2 pts)
- References and citations (0-2 pts for several high-quality sources)
So a maximum of 20 points from each reviewer can be achieved.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be chosen. The winning students and their teachers will be announced by end of May/beginning of June 2022. 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
September | Submissions opens | |
April 25 | Deadline for the submission to the European Society of Human Genetics | |
April 25 | DNA DAY | |
End of May/Beginning of June | Essay contest winners will be announced |