General Information – Essays

Topic

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.

Participants

Secondary school students between 14 and 19 years of age may enter the contest. All essays should be submitted by the student’s classroom teacher. If possible, the best essays from a class should be selected for submission.

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. You are welcome to include a photograph of the student as part of the submission (optional).

Language

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.

Deadline

All essays must be received no later than April 25, 2027, 24.00 hrs CEST.

Submission

All essays must be submitted online via this website. Detailed instructions are given below. 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)
• 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 mid of  June 2027. Their names and essays will then appear on the ESHG DNA Day website. All participants will also be contacted via email.

Prizes

First Place Winner: EUR 400
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 300
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 200
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

October: Submission opens

April 25: Deadline for the submission to the European Society of Human Genetics

April 25: DNA DAY

May 1 – May 31: An international jury of scientists are judging the submissions

Mid of June: Essay contest winners will be announced to the public