2021-2022 lay writing competition - submit your “science behind the scenes” stories!

Lay Science Writing Competition launched Nov 2, 2021

Once again, Canadian Blood Services is delighted to partner with the Centre for Blood Research at the University of British Columbia to host this competition, which supports our trainee network to develop vital communication skills by challenging them to showcase their research using plain language.

The theme for this year’s competition is “Science behind the scenes”. We encourage applicants to get creative in their interpretation of the theme but entries could include stories giving a behind-the-scenes look into working in a laboratory, or insights into the instruments or technology used. Stories could also be about demystifying science and research.

This year, we’ve added some new elements. Applicants will be asked to choose the audience they are targeting and are encouraged to submit a photograph or image to enhance their story.

To learn more and to submit an application, visit the competition page.

As in past years, the Lay Science Writing Competition is open to research trainees in the Canadian Blood Services research network, which includes trainees directly funded by Canadian Blood Services and those training in laboratories/groups that receive funding from Canadian Blood Services. The competition is also open to trainees at UBC’s Centre for Blood Research and the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering. For more details about the eligibility criteria, read the competition Guidelines.  

The Canadian Blood Services’ Lay Science Writing Competition is open for submissions until December 17, 2021.  

This year, the winning writer will receive a $500 prize, and there is an additional $300 prize purse available for disbursement to up to two runners-up. Selected entries will be disseminated through the Canadian Blood Services’ and the Centre for Blood Research’s online platforms and social media channels. 

Please note, the work must be original and not previously published. Click here to access the Competition Guidelines and the Application Form. 

Need some inspiration?

Check out the winning entries from previous competitions.

2020-2021: Challenges 2020:

Joint first prize

• Lost in lab: deciphering blood immune cells to fight COVID-19
• Developing cell biology lessons for seniors in the age of COVID

2019-20: Stories worth telling

First prize

• Is TACO best eliminated with Lasix (TACO-BEL)?

2018-19: Research that matters

First prize

• Optimizing Cord Blood Donor Recruitment

For details of past competitions and published stories from runners-up, search “lay science writing competition” on our R.E.D. blog.

The very best of luck!

Canadian Blood Services – Driving world-class innovation

Through discovery, development and applied research, Canadian Blood Services drives world-class innovation in blood transfusion, cellular therapy and transplantation—bringing clarity and insight to an increasingly complex healthcare future. Our dedicated research team and extended network of partners engage in exploratory and applied research to create new knowledge, inform and enhance best practices, contribute to the development of new services and technologies, and build capacity through training and collaboration. Find out more about our research impact. 

The opinions reflected in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Canadian Blood Services nor do they reflect the views of Health Canada or any other funding agency.