If you are passionate about science and science communication, the Chemistry World science communication competition offers a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your skill and be published in Chemistry World – not to mention the cash prize.
There are two categories for entries this year: written entries and storyboards. Your chosen topic should be related to the chemical sciences and incorporate this year's theme: openness in science. Written entries should consist of a clear and concisely written article, fewer than 800 words. Storyboard entries should consist of a storyboard and/or script, which describes the content of the final multimedia piece in detail.
The closing date is the 31 January 2014 and winners will be announced at prize giving at Burlington House in London on 5 March 2014.
Stuck for ideas? Have a look at our 2012 judges' tips and advice for budding science communicators and the winners of the 2012 competition for some inspiration.
Rules for entries
Entries should be on a topic related to the chemical sciences, be appropriate for publication in Chemistry World and should demonstrate the role of openness in science.
For example, this could be:
• Historical achievements that relied on sharing and collaboration
• Open approaches enabling research, education and innovation
• Companies cooperating openly to find sustainable solution to industry’s shared problems
Written entries should be no longer than 800 words.
Storyboards (like the one at the top of the page) can be as many panels as you like.
You can use your own storyboard or download one of our storyboard templates: with script or without script. You can use as many storyboards as you need.
Read our frequently asked questions for more information.
Prizes
Winning entries will:
• Receive £500
• Be published in Chemistry World print magazine OR have their storyboard entry produced by Chemistry World
• Have the opportunity to take part in a special assignment with Chemistry World, AkzoNobel and Procter & Gamble. Winners will be flown out to Sweden to discover more about making surfactants at AkzoNobel's surface chemistry labs, then return to the UK to learn about cleaning product applications at P&G's labs in Newcastle. They will then work together with Chemistry World to produce an article about their experiences, for a second chance to get published.
The Judges
Our panel of science communication experts will be judging your entries.
Eligibility
The competition is open to students, postgrads and early career scientists anywhere in the world. The competition is open only to new science writers; those whose main source of income is through science writing or who have professional (paid) science writing experience are ineligible.
How to enter
Please submit all entries via email to chemistryworld@rsc.org with ‘Chemistry World competition’ in the subject line.
Be sure to:
• Attach your entry in a PDF or Word format
• Clearly state your name and contact information
• Ensure your written entry is 800 words or fewer/your storyboard entry will be five minutes or less
• Read our rules, terms and conditions
