The contest aims at challenging students to examine, question and reflect on the importance and social implications of genetic research. Essays are expected to contain substantive, well-reasoned arguments indicative of a depth of understanding of the issues addressed by the selected essay question.
All children aged between 12 and 18 years may enter the context.
Questions to choose from
1. If you could be a human genetics researcher, what would you study and why?
2. In what ways will knowledge of genetics and genomics make changes to health and health care in Europe possible?
Language
Mother tongue or English translation (done by the teacher)
Length
The essay is limited to 750 words.
Deadline
All essays must be received no later than April 30, 2008.
Submission
All essays must be submitted electronically via email to: dnaday@eshg.org
Please select the according question on page 4 of the form.
Scoring
Development/ statement of hypothesis
Discussion of current knowledge in field
Discussion of importance of research topic
20 pts
20 pts
20 pts
Prizes
First Place Winner: EUR 300.-
Teachers of first place students win EUR 1.000.- to organise a science project or to purchase classroom equipment.
Second Place Winner: EUR 200.-
Teachers of second place students win EUR 800.- to organise a science project or to purchase classroom equipment
Third Place Winner: EUR 100.-
Teachers of third place students win EUR 500.- to organise a science project or to purchase classroom equipment
Special Dates
April 25 DNA DAY
April 30 All essays must be submitted to the European Society of Human
June 3
Genetics.
Essay contest winners will be announced at the European Human
Genetics Conference in Barcelona

Student
Last name: ...................................................................................
First name:...................................................................................
Grade: .........................................................................................
Date of birth: ................................................................................ e-mail: ........................................................................................
Teacher
Last name: ...................................................................................
First name:................................................................................... e-mail: ........................................................................................
School
Name: .........................................................................................
Address: ......................................................................................
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City: ............................................................................................
Country: ......................................................................................
Phone: .........................................................................................
Please take care to fill in this form legibly and accurately.

 1.
If you could be a human genetics researcher, what would you study and why?
 2.
In what ways will knowledge of genetics and genomics make changes to health and health care in Europe possible?
Please submit your essay in the space below.
Name of Student: ...................................................................................
 Check this box to acknowledge that you have read the rules and the contest description.