CAMP HILL, Pa USA. Why are animals used in biomedical research? What’s the point of bioscience research? These are the questions tackled by students participating in the annual essay contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research.
This year, 390 students throughout the Commonwealth participated in the 19th annual contest for high school students, and 116 students entered the contest for 7th and 8th graders, now in its 15th year.
Judging is currently underway by more than 40 PSBR members and friends of the Society. The winners will be those students who demonstrate a superior understanding of the topic and artfully convey their ideas in writing.
“The essay contest marries the science of animal research with the art of writing, requiring students to apply their skills in both subjects within a single project,” says Paula A. Clifford, PSBR executive director. One of the strategic goals of PSBR is to educate students about the role of animals in biomedical research, and the essay contests are a major component in that undertaking.
The essay winners will receive cash awards of between $100 to $500, and they, their families and their teachers will be honored at the PSBR annual dinner on May 25