The 2024 Canadian Blood Services’ Lay Science Writing Competition has launched and is open for submissions until Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:59pm PT.

This year, we’re asking trainees to test their plain writing skills and use clear language to send submissions under the theme “Connecting science with society”. The theme is open to interpretation, but submissions could include:

• The applicant’s aspirations for research application, envisioning its potential to positively impact science advancement and societal well-being.
• Personal narratives illustrating efforts to connect scientific research with broader communities, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration to address shared challenges
• Initiatives aimed at promoting scientific literacy and understanding among diverse audiences
  and/or championing inclusivity and accessibility within the scientific domain

Submissions will be judged on their relevance to the theme, their use of clear and accessible language, and on their use of narrative techniques to tell a compelling, original story.  

We’re so happy to be partnering again with Canadian Blood Services to host this competition. As with past competitions, the Lay Science Writing Competition is open to research trainees in the broad Canadian Blood Services research network, which includes trainees directly funded by Canadian Blood Services and those training in laboratories that receive funding from Canadian Blood Services. The competition is also open to trainees at UBC’s Centre for Blood Research. For more details about the eligibility criteria, read the competition Guidelines.  

The winning writer will receive a $500 prize and there is also a $500 prize purse available for disbursement between two runners-up. Selected entries will be disseminated through Canadian Blood Services’ and the Centre for Blood Research’s online platforms and social media channels. 

Please note, the work must be original and not previously published. Click here to access the Competition guidelines and the Application Form. If you have questions, please contact the Centre for Innovation by email at centreforinnovation@blood.ca  

Good luck to everyone and we’re looking forward to reading your entires!