Aspiring science writers may be tempted to put pen to paper given the €1,400 prize fund available in the annual Royal Irish Academy/Irish Times biochemistry science writing competition.
Undergraduate and graduate students in third level institutions, both North and South, can participate in the competition, which is sponsored by Yamanouchi Ireland Co Ltd.
Entrants to the competition are asked to write a 1,500 word newspaper article suitable for the non-scientific reader, explaining any new topic in biochemistry. It can cover medical, agricultural or industrial aspects but must be written in non-technical language suitable to a general audience. While the article may focus on international developments, entrants should make reference to related research being conducted in Ireland, and also to any commercial sponsorship.
The article should also be relevant to general readers. If writing about medical advances for example, the report should include details about a disease's incidence, underlying causes, diagnosis and treatment. Let the reader understand the significance of the research or topic being described in the article.
Yamanouchi Ireland Co Ltd has provided a substantial first prize of €1,000 with €400 for the runner-up. The winning author will also receive a bronze sculpture and the article will be published in The Irish Times.
Entrants are encouraged to use photographs, graphics or tables to illustrate their work. Judges will take into account the quality and creative use of illustrations and entrants should consider it essential that illustrations be provided. It may be necessary to edit the article.
The article and a CV that includes your third level institution and full contact details should be submitted by email to the Academy, addressed to m.deegan@ria.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 30, 2004. The RIA's National Committee for Biochemistry oversees the competition and also nominates the adjudicating panel. Further details are available from the Royal Irish Academy, Academy House, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
Dick Ahlstrom