Entries are now open for two annual science-writing competitions organised by the Royal Irish Academy and The Irish Times. One is for biochemistry and one for chemistry. Both are open to entrants from North and South.
The biochemistry competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students at third level. Yamanouchi Ireland Co Ltd has sponsored the prizes, with £300 for the winner and £150 for the runner-up. The winning entry will be published in The Irish Times.
There are two competitions for the chemistry section, one for students in second-level schools and one for third-level. AGB Scientific Ltd has sponsored the two £250 prizes, and both winners will also receive a John Coen bronze sculpture. The Irish Times and Irish Chemical News will publish the winning essays.
This competition is supported by the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland and the local branches of the Royal Society for Chemistry and the Society of Chemical Industry.
Entrants to these competitions are asked to write a newspaper article suitable for the non-scientific reader, explaining any new topic in chemistry or biochemistry. It can cover medical, agricultural or industrial aspects, but must be written in non-technical language.
While the article may focus on international developments, entrants should make reference to related research being conducted in Ireland, and also to commercial sponsorship for the work. The articles should be relevant to general readers, for example citing incidence of a disease, underlying causes, diagnosis and treatment if it discusses medical advances in fighting illness.
Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on A4 paper and contain not more than 2,000 words. Entrants are encouraged to use photographs, graphics or tables to illustrate their work.
The closing date for chemistry entries is Friday, January 8th, 1999, and for biochemistry entries Monday, January 18th, 1999. Five copies of the article should be submitted to: National Committee for Biochemistry, Royal Irish Academy, Academy House, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. The committee can forward further details on the competitions.