Franklin Society Essay Competition 2021
Every year, Murray Edwards College’s science society, the Franklin Society, hosts a science-based essay competition. The competition is open to Sixth Form students (or equivalent) from any country and of any gender. The competition aims to encourage students to explore scientific issues beyond those covered in the school curriculum and this year there are a range of current topics to choose from.
To enter the competition, students should choose one of the following questions to answer:
- Can we cure cancer? Use examples to back up your argument.
- From medical imaging to new microscopy techniques, physics can be applied in many ways to biological sciences. Discuss how this multidisciplinary approach is useful, giving specific examples.
- How can a knowledge of science help us tackle climate change?
- The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the massive problem of scientific misinformation. Discuss the importance of the scientific process in ensuring published research is reliable, and how it can be applied to prevent misinformation spreading.
The writers of the best essays will receive a prize: £50 for first place, £30 for second place and £20 for third place. The top three essays will also be posted online on the Franklin Society's Facebook page.
If you would like to take part, send your essay (between 1,000 and 3,000 words) to franklinsoc@gmail.com with the email subject “Franklin Society Essay competition 2021” by 12 noon on 31 May 2021. Please include your full name, email address and the name of your school/college with your submission.
Take a look at the following documents for further information:
Competition details, judging criteria and top tips
Winners should be chosen by the end of June. Good luck!