PET launches the inaugural Marcus Pembrey BioNews Writing Prize

PET is delighted to announce the inaugural Marcus Pembrey BioNews Writing Prize, named after one of the PET founding trustees and our patron. What better way to celebrate the 25th Birthday of BioNews than to encourage young and aspiring writers to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!) to share opinions about the most important fertility and genomic developments of the last 25 years?

Marcus Pembrey is an emeritus professor of paediatric genetics at University College London (UCL)'s Institute of Child Health, throughout his long and distinguished career he was passionate about science communication and debate. It was Professor Pembrey who set up the BioNews writing scheme in 2008 through which we train UCL post-graduate students in the art of science news writing.

The ability to express views in writing about complex subjects with accuracy and clarity and also persuasively is a wonderful gift, and one which is critical to all PET's work. Sharing opinions on the science, ethics, and law behind the big developments in the fields of fertility and genomics is how we start debate, challenge opinion, and ultimately drive progress.

The speed at which the scientific world is changing continues to gather pace, combine this with the vast amount of news and information people are bombarded with and it is easy to imagine a world in which only the few are given the gift of clarity and understanding. Accessible and authentic representation of the scientific world is essential to allow progress and responsible application of knowledge. PET wants to help ensure the future of writing BioNews comment articles and critical thinking is a healthy one and so we have launched our writing prize.

The competition is open to individuals aged from 18-30 (entrants must be under 31 on the closing date) and requires entrants to write a 1000-word comment piece with the title:
Which scientific or legal development in fertility, genomics or embryo research in the last 25 years do you think will have the greatest impact in the next 25 years?

There are three prizes to be won: First prize £750, second prize £500 and third prize £250. The first prize winner will also be given the opportunity to have three pieces of work published in BioNews with coaching from the experienced team of BioNews editors.

The judging panel includes leading science writer Dr Phillip Ball, who, for over 20 years, has been an editor of the journal Nature, for which he continues to write regularly. He has also written many popular science books. The other judges are Kirsty Horsey, Professor of Law at the University of Kent, and medical communications expert Dr Jess Buxton. If those last two names seem familiar it is because they were BioNews editors for many years and both continue to write for us.

Full details on how to enter, the competition rules, tips for writing and the judging process can be found here. Please ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to enter by sharing this exciting opportunity with your family, friends and colleagues.

To be part of the next generation of comment writers helping shape the future of fertility and genomic development – you had better get writing!

The closing date for entries is 23.59 (BST) on 30 June 2024.

Good luck!