The MRC Max Perutz Science Writing Award is one of the ways the MRC encourages MRC-funded PhD students to develop outstanding communication skills and engage with the wider public about their work.
Now in its 22nd year, the award is named after the eminent scientist and Nobel Laureate Dr Max Perutz, an accomplished and natural communicator who died in 2002. Since the competition began in 1998, over 1,100 MRC researchers have submitted entries and taken their (in most cases) first steps in communicating their research to the public.
The challenge is to write 800 words for a lay audience and explain 'Why does my research matter?'. The winner gets £1,500 and their article published on the MRC Insight blog. All shortlisted entrants receive a prize.
On winning last year’s competition, Natasha Clarke, of St George's, University of London, said: “I’m very excited and absolutely chuffed to have won. I’ve always really enjoyed writing for lay people and I really enjoy trying to make things more easily understandable. It seems like quite a daunting task when you look at a blank piece of paper. You just have to tackle it head on; the words will come.”
For inspiration, read Natasha’s winning article and the other shortlisted articles from 2018 (PDF, 1.16MB).
For more information, and to enter the competition, please visit the Max Perutz Science Writing Award webpage.