Are you interested in Science, aged between 12 and 19 years old and like to write? If so the RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers’ Competition is for you! Entries can be either a Science Report or a Short Story…

Science Report
Imagine you are a magazine or newspaper journalist writing an article on a topic of scientific interest. Grab your notebook and pen and do some investigative reporting or conduct an interview with an actual scientist to get their views on a particular topic. Remember, don't just list the facts, give the subject a bit of thought, and don't be afraid of writing what you really want to say about the topic. [Please note there is a 3,000 word limit per entry]

Short Story
Pretend you are a world famous author, create a short fictional story based on a scientific theme or principle. The short story can be of any type, not just science fiction. Each year we receive a range of fantastic, weird and wonderful stories so push your imagination to the extremes, but remember that it is essentially a science rather than fiction writing competition. [Please note there is a 3,000 word limit per entry]

What You Could Win:
Overall Prize: Laptop
First Prizes: iPod Touch
Second Prizes: €150
Highly Commended: €100

The overall winner will also be presented with the RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers’ Competition perpetual trophy and each prize-winner will be awarded an RDS Certificate of Excellence. First and second prizes will be awarded for both Science Report and Short Story entries in the following age categories: 12 – 13 years, 14 – 16 years and 17 – 19 years. Please note that age categories are determined according to the age of the entrant on the closing date of the Competition.

Where to Start:
• Check out our top tips for writing a prize-winning entry.
• Read previous prize-winning and highly commended entries and see why the judges were impressed by the quality of these entries.

How to Enter:
• Enter Online! Type your essay and copy and paste it into the online application form. Please note that this form will automatically remove all formatting (bold, italics, footnotes, superscripts etc) so define headings or sections in your essay using spaces and upper case text.
• Typed entries may also be sent by post to the address below.
• Those who submit entries online will be entered into a draw to win €50.
• Please note that the 2010 Competition is now closed and the prize-winners will be announced in September 2010. The call for entries for next year's Competition will be launched early in 2011.

For further information, please contact:

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