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The Corti Science Prize |
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Entry Tips
Topic
The winning essay will not only describe the science behind the advance in clear terms, but will also discuss some practical considerations of implementing it. For instance, if you were talking about wind power, you might want to consider what would happen on calm days. You might also discuss, briefly, how many windmills would be needed and what percentage of Britain's landscape would have to be covered in turbines to make a real difference to the UK's carbon emissions.
The New Scientist magazine & website is always a good place to start, but in order to win the competition, you'll have to do more than re-hash one of their articles - you'll have to follow the references and explore around the subject to create a really rounded essay.
Title
Although the subject of this year's essay is fixed, you should choose your own title. For example,
if the topic were 'Global Warming' you could use 'Warm LED lighting may mean cooler planet'.
Presentation
All entries must be typed. If you want to include pictures, charts or diagrams, then please
do - they often help clarify complex concepts.
Audience - who are you writing for?
Intelligent adults, in a nutshell. Assume your audience have a basic scientific grounding,
but may not be familiar with the topic you're covering.
Style
Write clearly and concisely. This is an essay, not a textbook, so keep the equations
(if any) to a minimum. Include diagrams to explain concepts if necessary.
Length
The essay should be no more than 1500 words but if you are concise and feel you have covered the topic
then shorter essays are fine as well. However, if it is much longer than 1500 words, you will be penalised.
What we're looking for
Two things:
- That you have a solid understanding of the scientific concepts behind the subject you're writing about, and
- That you can put scientific issues in the wider context of our everyday experiences, and have a strong appreciation of why science is important to our way of life.
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