Want to get into science journalism?
Oxford University’s student-run magazine The Oxford Scientist is calling for budding young science writers. The Schools Science Writing Competition is open to all students in the UK aged 15-18 years, and winners will have their articles published in this prestigious mag. Not only that, you could also win an Eppendorf Pipette Pen AND a signed book about various popular scientific subjects.
Am I eligible to enter?
As highlighted by the Oxford Scientist…
- You need to be a school, sixth form or college student in the UK, about to enter into Year 11, 12 or 13 (or equivalent) for the academic year 2018-2019.
- You need to be fascinated by science and want to communicate it to those around you.
- And you would like to see your work published in the next issue of The Oxford Scientist
What would I have to write and when is it due?
- The article needs to be 700 words
- The theme is ‘Inspirational Young Scientists’. For ideas, check out the articles from winners in the previous competition. Forbes published this article about young scientists under the age of 30 who are changing the world.
- It must be submitted by 31st October 2018. To submit your article, go to The Oxford Scientists’ Schools Writing Competition web page.
- Articles will be judged by a panel of experts, and one winner and a runner-up will be selected from each year group.
Is it really for me?
You can do this. According to Frontiers, an academic publisher, we live in a “golden age of science and environmental journalism”. If you have a passion for all things science, and you love writing (or the idea of presenting on TV), then science communication/journalism could just be the career for you.
Read more about this:
The Oxford Scientist, Schools Writing Competition MT2018 (general info)
Frontiers: Science Journalism’s Unlikely Golden Age
Prospects: Job profile: Science writer
