Join a new generation of science writers
15 March 2012
We're looking for 800-word articles that address any area of science and would be suitable for publication in the 'Guardian' or the 'Observer' in print and online. You must demonstrate that you have thought about and understood your audience and can bring a scientific idea to life.
The deadline for entries is 25 April 2012.
To enter, you must be a non-published* writer based in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. You can enter in either of two categories, with the winner of each receiving a prize:
- professional scientists of postgraduate level and above
- anyone else with a non-professional interest in science, including undergraduate students.
* By 'published', we are referring to professional journalists and authors who already write for money. We welcome entries from bloggers and student journalists.
The judges are looking for originality, bright ideas and a distinctive writing style. Your 800-word article should show a passion for science and encourage the general public to consider, question and debate the key issues in science and society. To help with your entries, we will be publishing a series of blog posts and films about science communication.
The judging panel includes Robin Ince (comedian), Liz Bonnin (TV presenter), Emily Wilson (the 'Guardian'), Ian Tucker (the 'Observer'), Kevin Moses (Wellcome Trust) and Mark Henderson (Wellcome Trust). The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 19 September 2012.
Speaking about the prize, Mark Henderson, Head of Communications at the Wellcome Trust and former Science Editor of 'The Times', said:
"No less than the arts, science has a limitless capacity to evoke wonder, insight and delight, and not only among specialist audiences. However complex the field, anybody and everybody can be inspired by science and begin to grasp and understand it. It's just a matter of finding the right words.
"We're looking for new writers who can make the passion they feel for science leap off the page or the screen - for voices that can draw people in, and tell a story of science that's both accurate and compelling."
Last year's winners were:
- Penny Sarchet, for her article ‘Death by hypochondria: the nocebo effect’ (category A). Published in the 'Observer'.
- Tess Shellard, for her article ‘Bacteria and the power of teamwork’ (category B). Published in the 'Guardian'.
Other shortlisted articles from 2011 have been published on our blog.
For more information about the competition, please visit the website or email swp@wellcome.ac.uk.
