The Young Science Writer Award (YSWA) celebrates the creativity and passion of young writers who explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Open to students aged 14-16 from state-funded, non-selective schools across the UK (or those home-schooled due to disability), this prestigious competition encourages participants to write engaging, informative essays on scientific topics that matter. Whether tackling climate change, AI, healthcare, or exploring the future of space exploration, YSWA aims to foster critical thinking, storytelling, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world. Join us in this exciting journey of scientific discovery and communication.
This competition launched on 17 January with a deadline to submit by 7 March 2025.
Summary
Write and submit an 800 word essay on a STEM related topic.
The BBC, The Royal Institution and Science Museum are the key strategic partners supporting the event and the winner of the competition.
The winner will receive £1000, a 1-year Young Royal Institution membership, and the chance to meet BBC science journalists among other prizes.
Their essay is also published nationally in the media which attracts highly positive press coverage for the school. The runners-up each get £250 with ten students who are highly commended receiving £100 each.
More information
Here is a link to the website Young Science Writer Awards 2025 | Association of British Science Writers
"The Association of British Science Writers invites students from non-selective state funded schools, or those who are home schooled with disabilities and who cannot attend school in person, aged 14-16 years, to submit an 800-word essay on any subject in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics.
This competition is open to students nationally in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
This competition is designed to get young people writing and thinking about the big questions in science, technology, engineering and maths, with a focus on how science impacts on policymaking and society."