The deadline has been extended for entries to the annual Royal Irish Academy/Irish Times biochemistry science writing competition.
It carries a prize fund worth 1,100, sponsored by Yamanouchi (Ireland) Co Ltd and is open to undergraduate and graduate students in third level institutions, both North and South.
Entrants to the competition are asked to write a 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.
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 for the work.
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.
The first place winner will receive 800 with 300 for the runner-up. The winning author will also receive a bronze sculpture and the article will be published in The Irish Times.
Submissions should be typed, double-spaced on A4 paper and contain not more than 1,500 words. Entrants are encouraged to use photographs, graphics or tables to illustrate their work.
Six copies of the article are required and authors should indicate what institutions they are attending and their year of study.
The closing date for entries has been extended to Friday, April 25th, 2003. Entries should be sent to: National Committee for Biochemistry, Royal Irish Academy, Academy House, 19 Dawson St, Dublin 2. Further details are available from the RIA or its web site: www.ria.ie