Nuclear science writing contest
The Nuclear Science Writing Contest (NSWC) is being launched during the 2021-22 school year by the ANS Trinity Section to engage public audiences in New Mexico with a technical topic related to nuclear science. The goal is to challenge our community to try our hand at something most of us don't do often: compose a short scientific article for a general audience! The Section plans for this to become an annual event.
- LAST CHANCE: The submission deadline has been EXTENDED AGAIN to May 31, 2022.
- Flyer:
- Rules and instructions:
Entries should be 700-1,000 word essays describing an aspect of nuclear-related science and technology. The goal of the essay is to explain a technical topic to a broad audience. Aim for a high school student's level of education and comprehension. The submission deadline has been EXTENDED AGAIN to May 31, 2022.
- [NEW] Submission incentive:
All entries will earn the author a $10 rebate on the cost of a future ANS Trinity Section dinner meeting with speaker.
- Entry form:
Submit your entry using this submission form.
- Judges:
A panel of judges, selected from both communication professionals as well as nuclear professionals, will evaluate the entries and determine winners in three categories.
As a guide, see the rubric the judges will use to evaluate the submissions.
- Prizes:
- Student Category (UPDATED: includes anyone enrolled full-time in a high school, college, or graduate program in New Mexico). The winner of the Student Category will receive a $200 cash prize.
- Member Category (includes members in good standing of the American Nuclear Society who are affiliated with the Trinity Section). The winner of the Member Category will receive an invitation to deliver a technical talk to the Trinity Section.
- Friends of Trinity Category (includes anyone in New Mexico). The winner of the Friends of Trinity Category will receive a free year of membership to the American Nuclear Society.
- From these three winning essays, one will be selected for publication in Nuclear News. All non-winning submissions will receive judges' comments and be encouraged to re-submit a revised essay the following year.
- Student Category (UPDATED: includes anyone enrolled full-time in a high school, college, or graduate program in New Mexico). The winner of the Student Category will receive a $200 cash prize.
- Fall writing workshop kickoff event (flyer):
Join us this fall for an in-person event to hear from a science communication professional. This is your chance to get some tips, ask questions, and start brainstorming your essay.
The kickoff event will be held on Thursday, Nov 4, 2021, at 6:30pm at UNM, in the Farris Hall 1st floor lounge. The speaker will be Jim Walther (short bio), Director of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Dinner will be provided free (chicken marsala & pasta primavera with antipasto and non-alcoholic beverages). Pre-registration is required.
- Contact the PI&O chair, Carl Willis or 505-412-3277, for more information.
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