The ASHG Annual DNA Day Essay Contest is a global opportunity for high school students in grades 9-12 to engage with genetics and explore its impact on our lives. By participating in this contest, you can celebrate the achievements of the Human Genome Project and the discovery of DNA's double helix structure. Take your chance to delve into the world of genetics and contribute to the discussion of its significance.
Scholarship Details
- Contest encourages exploration of key genetics concepts
- Essays should present well-reasoned arguments
- Evaluated by ASHG members through three rounds of scoring
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to high school students in grades 9-12 worldwide
- Planning to major in Genetics and/or related fields
Essay Prompt
"Many human diseases have a genetic component. Some diseases result from a change in a single gene or even multiple genes. Yet, many diseases are complex and stem from an interaction between genes and the environment. Environmental factors may include chemicals in the air or water, nutrition, microbes, ultraviolet radiation from the sun and social context. Provide an example of how the interplay of genetics and environment can shape human health."
Application Process
- Visit the submission site, which opens in early January.
- Submit your essay by the closing date on March 6th.
- Stay tuned for the announcement of winners and honorable mentions on April 25th, DNA Day!
Please Note Text from essays may be used for research purposes to identify misconceptions, misunderstandings, and areas of student interest in genetics. Student text may be published on the ASHG website, newsletter, or in other ASHG publications.