2019 Writing Contest

Just published a cool new finding? Want to provide expert insight to the masses? Living a unique experience worth sharing? Tell us your story.

Submissions are now open!

Contest rules:

Next Submission Deadline: December 6th, 2019 [Extended!]

Stories can be about any scientific field and should written for the public — no jargon. Submissions should not exceed 1000 words.

The top 5 submissions will receive prizes. Top prize is a $50 Amazon gift card!

All appropriate submissions will be published on ScienceBuffs.org

Judging Criteria:

1. Writing quality. Is the writing clear, free of jargon, and within word count?
2. Story structure. Is this story organized and logical?
3. Originality. Is the submission unique compared to others?
4. Interest. How captivating is this story?

Some examples of good writing in various forms to help get you started

• The story behind a cool finding (doesn’t have to be your own!): A New Clue to How Life Originated
• A first-person essay sharing your experience in science: Our Disabilities Have Made Us Better Scientists
• An op-ed written for the public about an area of research: This is the Beginning of the End of the Beef Industry
• A story about a trend or specific subfield: Cosmologists Debate How Fast The Universe Is Expanding 

This is not an exhaustive list of formats and stories!

A science writing workshop hosted by Science Buffs

Science Buffs will hold an optional storytelling workshop on November 13th, 2019. It will be from 5pm until 6pm with optional time afterwards, and on East Campus — JSCBB B115. We will briefly discuss the fundamental elements of a good story, and offer time to discuss, brainstorm, and edit your stories. We will wrap up by talking about how to pitch stories to other outlets, such as NPR, Scientific American, Vox, and others. Refreshments will be provided.

Please direct questions about the contest or workshop to sciencebuffs@colorado.edu.