Pancyprian Essay Contest to mark World DNA Day 2025

Medicover Genetics, Cyprus, is organising the third Pancyprian essay competition for World DNA Day 2025, inviting high school students (16-19 years old) from public and private schools, as well as Technical Schools, to participate.

Supported by the Biology Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth of Cyprus, this initiative provides students with an opportunity to explore DNA’s significance and its impact on science and society. The contest, dedicated to World DNA Day on April 25th, will award prizes to the first and second-best entries.

The topic of this year’s essay is: “The discovery of DNA has led to significant advancements in different fields of health and well-being. One example is the development of genetic tests for carrier screening in the field of reproductive medicine. Describe the importance of carrier screening, focusing on its benefits for people planning to have children.” This initiative aims to raise awareness about the role of DNA and carrier screening for individuals planning to start a family.

Participants must submit a blog-style essay of 650-700 words (excluding references) in Greek or English. The goal is to educate the public on the benefits of DNA genetic testing in carrier screening and reproductive medicine. Essays should provide clear explanations and examples of inherited mutations, avoiding complex scientific language. The inclusion of images to enhance understanding is encouraged.

Awards

Medicover Genetics will award the following prizes:

• First place: €200
• Second place: €100

Both winners will also have the opportunity to visit Medicover Genetics’ laboratories in Cyprus on a specified day. The winners will be officially announced on 25 April 2025 via the Medicover Genetics website. Participating schools will receive the results on April 24, 2025.

Marking and evaluation criteria

All the entries will be marked and evaluated by a group of experts in the field of DNA and genetics from Medicover Genetics. The marking criteria will be based on different aspects including:

1) The accuracy and validity of the information used (the use of references is strongly encouraged).

2) The knowledge and understanding of the topic.

3) The structure of the blog, the presentation of the topic, as well as the correct technical vocabulary, grammar, and syntaxis.

Participation Guidelines:

1) The entries must be in PDF format, with a maximum of 650-700 words (excluding references). The students must state in the PDF file their full name as well as the name of the school.

2) The teachers of the students must submit the entries to the following email:

scientificcommunications-cy@medicover.com. A confirmation email of the entries will be sent upon receipt.

3) The final date of submission is 11 April 2025.

4) Each essay must be written by one student.

5) The language of participation is Greek or English.

Note: By participating in the competition, the participants provide the rights to display and publicise the essays or part of them. All valid entries may be used at a later stage on the social media or the website of Medicover Genetics.

For more information and further enquiries, participants can send an email at scientificcommunications-cy@medicover.com or contact 22 266 888 (Medicover Genetics reception desk, asking to connect with the Marketing and Communications Department).