ASHG is proud to support National DNA Day through the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953.
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
"In recent years, new genetic treatments and therapies have been developed, such as Casgevy for sickle cell disease or Roctavian for hemophilia. Choose one genetic treatment or therapy that has been developed or widely used in recent years."
- Explain what the treatment is and how it works.
- Discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Think about ethical issues, effects on society, cost, and accessibility.
- If you or someone you care about had this condition, would you choose this treatment? Please explain why, considering things like age, overall health, cost factors, etc.
Application Process
- Visit the submission site, which opens in early January.
- Submit your essay by the closing date in early March.
- Stay tuned for the announcement of winners and honorable mentions on April 24th, DNA Day!
The reference list will be submitted separately in the “references” section of the submission site. Everything will be included on one page once the essay is submitted. Students must be studying at the same school as the teacher who submits their essays.
