The Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize 2011 in association with the 'Guardian' and the 'Observer'
About the Prize
This exciting new competition aims to find the next generation of undiscovered science writing talent.
We are looking for short 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 20 May 2011.
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.
Possible areas of science include: medicine, neurology, science education, biomedical science, ageing, nutrition, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, the body, sports sciences, space, genetics, climate change, evolution, energy, infectious diseases, medical humanities, medical history and ethics.
Categories
You must be a non-published* writer based in the UK or RoI. You can enter in either of two categories, with the winner of each receiving a prize:
a) professional scientists of postgraduate level and above
b) anyone else with a non-professional interest in science (this includes 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.
What you can win
Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges and will be presented at a prestigious ceremony at the Wellcome Trust on 12 October 2011.
The winning articles from each category will be published in the 'Guardian' or the 'Observer'. Winners will also receive a £1000 cash prize.
The top 30 shortlisted entrants will also be invited to attend a science writing workshop at the 'Guardian' offices in October 2011.
Terms and conditions
1. The Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize in association with the 'Guardian' and the 'Observer' (the "Competition") is open only to non-published writers in each of the following categories:
a) professional scientists of postgraduate level and above
b) anyone else with a non-professional interest in science.
For the avoidance of doubt, 'published' refers to professional journalists/authors who already write for money. Entries from bloggers will be accepted.
2. Entrants to the Competition ("Entrants") must be residents of the UK or RoI. The Competition is not open to employees or contractors (or their family members) of Guardian News and Media Limited ("GNM") or of any other companies in the Guardian Media Group or of the Wellcome Trust or its group companies, or anyone else connected with the creation or administration of the Competition or their family members.
3. All articles entered in the Competition ("Entries") must be previously unpublished work.
4. Entrants should use the online application form and follow the instructions available on the website. The deadline for all Entries is 23.59 on 20 May 2011. Entries received after this deadline will not be processed.
5. No responsibility is taken for Entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete or for Entries that cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason. Proof of delivery of any Entry is not proof of receipt.
6. The Wellcome Trust Limited (as trustee for the Wellcome Trust) (the "Wellcome Trust") and GNM reserve the right not to process Entries that exceed the 800-word limit or that have illegible application forms.
7. Entries must be the original work of the Entrant. Any evidence of plagiarism may result in the Entrant being disqualified.
8. By submitting an Entry to the Competition, the Entrant confirms that they have the right to enter and have obtained all and any consents, permissions and authorisations that may be necessary in order for them to enter.
9. Entrants may submit only one Entry.
10. Entries on behalf of another person will not be accepted.
Judging the Competition
11. The judging panel for the Competition and the criteria to be applied by the judges are set out on the website. From the entries the judges will select a shortlist of no more than 20 entries per category that they consider (in their absolute discretion) to be the best.
12. Only shortlisted Entrants will be contacted by the Wellcome Trust and/or GNM. Shortlisted Entrants will be contacted by 12 August 2011. All shortlisted Entrants will be invited to attend the Competition Award Ceremony, to take place in October 2011. The winner in each category of the Competition, as chosen by the judges, will be announced at the Award Ceremony. Further details of the Award Ceremony will be provided to shortlisted Entrants at the time the Wellcome Trust and/or GNM notifies them that they have been included on a shortlist for their category.
13. The judges' decision is final and no negotiations or correspondence with Entrants will be entered into.
14. The prizes for the winner in each category of the Competition are as detailed on the website. Prizes will be awarded at the Award Ceremony referred to above.
15. The Wellcome Trust and GNM retain the right to substitute a prize with another prize of similar value in the event the original prize offered is not available due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control.
16. The prizes are non-exchangeable, non-transferable and not redeemable for cash or other prizes. The Wellcome Trust and GNM accept no responsibility for any costs associated with the Competition or the prizes.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: swp@wellcome.ac.uk
For submissions: submit here
Website: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/
