10/04/21

On behalf of SBYIR, we wanted to thank everyone who participated in this year’s writing competition! We are currently in the process of finalizing the results and creating certificates.

Due to issues with our certificate-making program, results are going to be released later than expected. Thank you to all of you for being patient and understanding but we will keep you updated with this evolving situation. 

In addition, given that this is only our second year hosting this competition, we would appreciate if you would fill out this anonymous feedback form! The link to the form is here if you have not already filled it out.

Thank you!

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We now have an emailing list for interested students, parents, and teachers who would like reminders of our upcoming deadline (July 15th)! The email subscription form is available here: https://forms.gle/xtvEdfggAyE3pofLA.

We created an informational video concerning the writing competition that can be found here! As well as a corresponding slideshow that you can view here.

Nothing in science has any value to society if it is not communicated.

Anne Roe

The ultimate goal of research is to not only learn more about the world around us, but to apply that knowledge in ways that will subsequently benefit society. Scientific research is one of the most important channels of knowledge. It has a specific role, as well as a variety of functions for the benefit of our society: creating new knowledge, improving education, and increasing the quality of our lives. Regardless of whether this research focuses more on the realms of discovery or invention, we have come to realize that there are some controversies in the use of science in society. 

Societies have changed over time, and consequently, so has science. Science must respond to societal needs and global challenges. It is important the public is well-informed about the current developments in science and how these developments impact their daily lives, so that they can form their own opinions on these matters. 

However, most literature is written for the academic scholar, often using jargon-filled and dry language that can be difficult for most to grasp. Our mission is to embrace and capture the essence of scientific controversies and present it to the public in a straight-forward manner. In order to keep society informed about these developments we need to give it a “human face” and tell the story of science in simple and accessible ways that people can relate to.

For this writing competition, you may choose one of four controversies in science. Your goal is to write a 750-1000 word article in newspaper or literature review format that describes and evaluates the controversy for the general high-school educated public.

Your writing should not only accurately articulate the issue and the science behind it, but it should be understandable and engaging. In evaluating the topic, you should carefully explain key sides of the argument. Though you are encouraged to think critically, you should still give credence to opposing arguments. You can find more of our rules and guidelines here.