A Competition for CUNY Undergraduate Students

The Nobel Prizes in physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, and economics were recently announced. You are invited to describe in 1000-1500 words, the scientific concepts behind the work for which one of the 2011 Nobel winners received their respective prize and the present and future significance of the research to humanity. The outlines must make the science accessible to the lay person.

The essays will be read and judged by a distinguished CUNY faculty committee. Three prizes will be awarded in each category (physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, and economics) and one additional prize will be awarded to the best essay submitted.

Prizes

First Prize: Apple iMac Computer

Second Prize: Apple iPad II

Third Prize: Amazon Kindle wireless reading device

First Prize winners from each category will be forwarded to a second faculty committee that will select the Grand Prize winner for the best essay submitted overall. Please note that previous first prize winners are not eligible for this year's competition. The Grand Prize winner will receive $3,000.

Essays must be submitted by December 9, 2011. They should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and submitted by email with subject heading “CUNY Nobel Science Challenge –your essay category” to: cuny.nobel@mail.cuny.edu

Questions may also be submitted to the email address above.

Please note:

Essays must be your own original and independent work.

Essays will be judged on accuracy and clarity.

Challenge is open to all first degree undergraduate students currently registered in a degree program at CUNY.

When you submit your essay, include in your college, major (declared or intended), class standing (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) and the best telephone number where you can be contacted.

Winners will be announced in February, 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.cuny.edu/research.html