DNA Day Essay Contest
American Society of Human Genetics
The American Society of Human Genetics is a body that envisions a world where people everywhere can realize the benefits of human genetics and genomics research. The society was established in 1948 and founded its own journal, “The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG)”, in 1949. The journal is still published today and continues to share scientific research around human genetics.
ASHG as well as its members champion the importance of genomics, genetics, and advocate for policies that support research and advancement in the field. The ASHG is now part of a network of societies and organizations. They have even helped create or inspired the creation of some of these organizations.
As a way of celebrating National DNA Day, which celebrates the day the Human Genome Project was completed, the ASHG created the DNA Day Contest. The program awards a total of $3,000 to 13 students based on the essays they have written on the provided topic. The scholarship also rewards winning teachers with genetic material grants. The contest exposes students to scientific research at a young age.
Scholarship Summary
The American Society of Human Genetics is a body that envisions a world where people everywhere can realize the benefits of human genetics and genomics research. The society was established in 1948 and founded its own journal, “The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG)”, in 1949. The journal is still published today and continues to share scientific research around human genetics.
ASHG as well as its members champion the importance of genomics, genetics, and advocate for policies that support research and advancement in the field. The ASHG is now part of a network of societies and organizations. They have even helped create or inspired the creation of some of these organizations.
As a way of celebrating National DNA Day, which celebrates the day the Human Genome Project was completed, the ASHG created the DNA Day Contest. The program awards a total of $3,000 to 13 students based on the essays they have written on the provided topic. The scholarship also rewards winning teachers with genetic material grants. The contest exposes students to scientific research at a young age.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Freshman – High School Senior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Any
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of DNA Day Essay Contest
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
Any
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
DNA Day Essay Contest Timeline
January 7, 2023
Application Opening Date
Application opens for submission of entries.
March 7, 2023
Application Closing Date
Entries will no longer be accepted from this date.
April 25, 2023
Award Announcement Date
How to ace the DNA Day Essay Contest
Ensure citations and references are properly done
All information that is not considered common knowledge should be cited. Cite the source If you got the information from somewhere else. Referencing should be done in APA or MLA style.
Avoid inaccurate technical words
You are not compelled to use technical words, and moreover, the judges don't expect you to. So don't feel obligated to, but if you do make sure you use the correct terms.
Use recent citations in your essay
Only make use of references that are within the last five years as scientific knowledge changes rapidly.
Do not focus too much on details
Go straight to the fundamental ideas, and avoid spending too much time on the little details. You should also avoid overstating facts on the current state of medical sciences.
How the DNA Day Essay Contest is Judged
All essays will be judged on the overall accuracy of science content. The use of relevant evidence in support of an argument/answer is a major criteria. Only essays well-focused on the question/topic will be selected. Essays will be checked for writing quality such as composition, clarity of thesis, grammar, syntax, and spelling. Essays will be screened for the appropriateness of citations and referencing. The quality of these two contributes to 15% of the score.
Why We Love the DNA Day Essay Contest
Application is open to all high-school students
There is no GPA requirement for participation as entries are also accepted from students worldwide. There is no age, racial, ethnic, or geographical restriction attached to the eligibility.
The Contest also rewards teachers
Teachers are not left out on rewards in their role in preparing and guiding their students for the contest. The scholarship program also rewards teachers by offering grants to teachers that produced the winning students
Students are exposed early to academic research
The program challenges young students to question, examine, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. This early exposure enables them to forge on to build wonderful careers in genetics.
5 Facts About the American Society of Human Genetics
The essay competition is an ASHG initiative
The scholarship is supported by the American Society of Human Genetics in honor of National DNA Day.
It is a celebration of milestone achievements
DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix structure of Deoxyribonucleic acid in 1953.
The competition offers a learning opportunity
The essay competition is also another platform for students to develop research skills and make critical personal judgments
ASHG helps publish exceptional essays in journals
ASHG also publishes essays with good content as review articles in their journal for free.
The program encourages original work
Being a research-based scientific essay contest, ASHG discourages all forms of plagiarism, plagiarism equals automatic disqualification.