Translational Biology
Traditionally, healthcare professionals approach patient diagnosis and treatment by focusing on general characteristics and symptoms of a patient’s illness. However, recent advancements in screening capabilities and treatment options have allowed personalized medicine based on an individual’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to become increasingly accessible. Questions now arise on how data-driven care can coexist with the humanistic aspects of medicine, introducing the potential ethical, financial, and equity-related challenges of precision medicine.
Should personalized medicine be the future of healthcare, and how can we ensure equitable access for all?
Here are some questions to help guide your writing:
- What is personalized (or precision) medicine, and how does it differ from traditional care?
- How might this approach improve treatment outcomes? Who benefits the most?
- What barriers exist for implementing this on a large scale (e.g., cost, privacy, access)?
- How could disparities in access to genetic testing or high-tech diagnostics worsen existing health inequalities?
- Can patient-centered care be preserved within a highly data-driven model?
Environmental Science
Coined in 2001, the term “Nuclear Renaissance” refers to the idea that the nuclear power industry will soon experience a revival due to the rising cost of fossil fuels and concerns about the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on our climate. With new methods for generating nuclear power through thorium reactors and rising concerns about a “lack of energy,” now is the time to focus on the potential of nuclear power–from its benefits, to its dangers, to what a future backed by a Nuclear Renaissance might look like.
How might a potential “nuclear renaissance” impact society and climate change?
Here are some questions to help guide your writing:
- What is the reliability of nuclear energy versus renewable energy?
- How does the rise of AI and large data centers impact the need for nuclear energy?
- How might the generation of nuclear waste facilities lead to further environmental injustice?
- What are the short-term and long-term costs of investing in nuclear energy?
- How should the scientific community properly convey the values and safety of nuclear energy?
Technology
The foundation of computer programming relies on binary code, a system of representing information through simple 1s and 0s. However, the release of new quantum computing chips by Google and Microsoft presents a means for exponentially faster modes of data processing. This also comes with many technical challenges, particularly risks associated with data privacy. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential of quantum computing as well as its drawbacks.
How might quantum computing change the future of technology and society?
Here are some questions to help guide your writing:
- What is quantum computing, and how does it differ from classical computing?
- What problems could quantum computers solve that classical computers cannot?
- How might quantum computing impact cybersecurity and data privacy?
- What ethical concerns arise from the power of quantum technology?
- How should governments, scientists, and companies prepare for a quantum future?
Psychology
In recent years, the popularity of “self-diagnosis” through social media and online resources has skyrocketed, especially among younger populations. While it has helped some better understand their mental health and seek care, it has also led to misinformation, trivialization of serious disorders, and blurred lines between identity and diagnosis.
Is the rise of online self-diagnosis helping or harming public understanding of mental health?
Here are some questions to help guide your writing:
- Why has self-diagnosis become more common, especially among teens and young adults?
- What are the risks and benefits of people identifying with specific mental health conditions without professional input?
- How does social media influence perceptions of mental illness?
- Will self-awareness gained through online communities be a first step toward proper care?
- What responsibility do platforms or influencers have in moderating this content?
Engineering
Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have continued to push their plans to commercialize space travel, with major milestones such as the first successful landing of a launched rocket by SpaceX. With the possibility of sooner-than-expected space tourism and resource extraction, evaluating its implications becomes increasingly imperative.
What are the benefits and drawbacks surrounding the commercialization of space travel?
Here are some questions to help guide your writing:
- What advancements in engineering are necessary to improve upon past efforts to reuse rockets?
- How can we learn from the space shuttle program to inform efforts to improve the accessibility of space?
- How will the inevitably expensive opportunity for civilian space travel impact existing socioeconomic divides?
- How will the fuel sources used for commercial space crafts evolve as the space travel industry continues to grow?
- How will scientists benefit from increased access to space travel?
Young Investigators Writing Competition 