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2006 Essay Contest for High School Students

View the PDF version of the brochure

Essay Contest for Middle School Students

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Open to all Michigan High School Students
Deadline: December 15, 2005

The Michigan Society for Medical Research (MISMR) annually sponsors an essay contest open to all Michigan high school students. It is part of MISMR's educational outreach program to promote awareness of the benefits and the process of biomedical research, and increase awareness and interest in science. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity (including a creative title), command of the English language, and the demonstration that an extra effort was made to learn about biomedical research and why animals are used. Students are encouraged to research some or all of the following ideas:

  • Why animal research is necessary and the limitations of other alternatives (e.g., cell culture, computer simulations)
  • How biomedical research has helped in the treatment of diseases for both humans and animals.
  • How biomedical research helped a friend, family member, pet, livestock, or endangered species.
  • How animal research helps with environmental protection (e.g., toxicity testing of pesticides)
  • The laws and regulations governing the use of animals in research.

AWARDS

  • The Student Finalist will be awarded a $500 cash prize and plaque.
  • The Teacher of the student finalist will be awarded a cash prize of $100.
  • Honorable Mentions will be awarded a $50 cash prize and merit certificate.
  • All Students who enter receive a certificate.

Winning essays will be published in a special booklet and the first place winners will be invited to the Michigan Society for Medical Research annual meeting in 2006. Entries become the property of MISMR and may be reprinted, published, or distributed for educational purposes. WINNERS ONLY will be notified by the end of March 2006.

ESSAY CONTEST RULES & REGULATIONS

  1. All Michigan high school students grades 9 - 12 are eligible to enter.
  2. Submit essays in standard English with a bibliography that must cite several different references (not just the internet information) specific to the content or argument detailed in the paper. References may include documented oral sources. Essays should be typed on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper, be 4 - 6 double-spaced typewritten pages, and not exceed 1500 words.
  3. Submit one coversheet followed by two copies of the essay. There should be NO identifying information on the essays except for the title. The coversheet needs the following information:
    • Title of Essay
    • Student's Name
    • Home Address
    • Home Phone Number
    • Grade Level
    • Name of School
    • School Address
    • School Phone Number
    • Teacher's Full Name
    • Teacher's Email Address
    • Class Title
    • Small Student Photo
  4. Essay should be the original work of student who enters.
  5. Entries accepted any time prior to deadline but must be postmarked by Dec. 15, 2005.
  6. Send entries to: MISMR Essay Contest, P.O. Box 3237, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3237

Read the 2005 winning entry!

   
 
MISMR members strongly support humane animal study in research. We hope that likeminded citizens will join us in working for rational public policy that assures the continued appropriate use of animals in the course of good science.