Cancer Research UK : SciNews Competition Winners

SciNews Competition Winners

newspapers The waiting is finally over and our expert panel of judges have emerged from their discussions to announce the winners of our science writing competition, launched during National Science Week.

We asked you to write a news story about a recent medical or health-related advance that really made you think “wow!”. Anything from the hunt for an AIDS vaccine, to research that broccoli cures cancer.

Thanks to everyone who took part – judging from the creative and imaginative entries, there are many budding journalists out there…

SciNews judge, Braniac star Jon Tickle, said: “I am very impressed with the overall quality of the entries in the SciNews competition. It is clear that the contestants had researched their subjects thoroughly and understood their source material.”

My congratulations go to everyone who entered the competition.

Jon Tickle

“It is often the case that scientists have good ideas but struggle to communicate them effectively to other people. It is encouraging that the participants in this competition have managed to convey difficult concepts so easily. My congratulations go to everyone who entered the competition.”

Our first-prize winners will receive a year's subscription to BBC Focus magazine, and will spend a day with our Press Team taking a look behind the headlines. They will also get the chance to record their story for our podcast. All winners will receive science books and top trumps.

And the winners are:

Joint 1st Prize

Leanna Hillen, 15, from Belfast, tackled science that’s on the wilder edges of things to come: nanotechnology!

What the judges said:

“Leanna’s story touched on the potential of nanotechnology - sending smart dust on a mission inside the human body, very futuristic.”
Professor Fran Balkwill, cancer researcher

Joint 1st Prize

Emily Paterson, 14, from Aberdeen, wrote about a hamster's enzymes saving a 12 year old boy with a rare illness.

What the judges said:

“News articles have to balance human interest with hard facts. Emily has found a way to interweave the two and maintains the readers’
interest throughout.” Jon Tickle, Braniac presenter

Joint 2nd Prize

Yasmine Surendramohan, 16, from Bolton, explained how chocolate boosts brain power.

What the judges said:

“Yasmine had a good writing style and her story was well-structured.” Tim Radford, former Science Editor of the Guardian

Joint 2nd Prize

Natasha Ward, 15, from Belfast told us what makes teenagers moody.

What the judges said:

“Natasha’s article could provide some great excuses for not getting up in the morning.” Professor Fran Balkwill, cancer researcher

3rd Prize

Akshaya Kumar, 14, from Bolton, wrote about an alternative to injections for people suffering from diabetes.

What the judges said:

“Akshaya packed in lots of detail and explanation.” Tim Radford, former Science Editor of the Guardian