General Information – Videos

Topic

For many years in the past century, geneticists focussed on isolated populations to discover genetic traits, including lactose intolerance or sickle cell anaemia. Recent advancements in genetic and genomic technologies have enabled the conduction of large-scale studies in human genetics, such as those by the UK Biobank, Estonian Biobank, and FinnGen. However, still do not encompass the full diversity of world populations.

Therefore, this year’s task is:

In a short video (max. 5 min.), please discuss the importance of understanding genetic diversity for health and disease. Support your example with specific DNA variants and genes.

Participants

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

Length

The video should not be longer than 5 minutes (max file size 100 MB).

Language

Please submit videos in English only.

Deadline

All videos must be received no later than April 25, 2025, 24.00 hrs CET.

Submission

All videos 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

Videos will be viewed 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 video focused on question? (0-3 pts)
• Speech 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 end of May/beginning of June 2025. Their names, essays and videos will then appear on the ESHG DNA Day website.

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

End of October: Submissions opens

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

April 25: DNA DAY

May 1 – May 20: An international jury of scientists are judging the submissions

Beginning of June: Video contest winners will be announced to the public