Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing: A Celebration of Student Voices in Conservation.

The Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing, hosted annually by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), offers young science enthusiasts a remarkable platform to showcase their writing talents. This prestigious competition encourages students across Australia to engage deeply with contemporary scientific issues and express their insights through the written word. 

For 2024, the essay topic is particularly timely: "People power: working together to protect our environment. Biodiversity, community, and conservation." With environmental concerns at the forefront of global discussions, this theme provides a crucial opportunity for students to explore the role of communities in protecting and restoring our planet’s biodiversity.

Prize and Publication

Winners of the Bragg Student Prize are awarded a $500 UNSW book voucher—a valuable resource for any aspiring scientist or writer. However, the rewards extend beyond the tangible. Winning essays are also published in Double Helix Magazine, a widely respected publication by CSIRO, which means that students' work can reach a broader audience and potentially inspire others to take action for the environment.

Impressive Participation

This year, the competition saw an impressive turnout, with 47 students across Years 7-9 entering as part of a group entry and a number of others submitting individual entries. The submissions were diverse, but all centred on the theme of community-driven conservation efforts. Students wrote passionately about how collective action—whether through local initiatives, school projects, or community programs—can make a significant impact on preserving biodiversity and fostering a sustainable future.

Celebrating Student Efforts

We are incredibly proud of the students who participated in this year’s competition. Their essays demonstrate not only a keen understanding of environmental science but also a commitment to making a difference through collaboration and community engagement. By highlighting the power of people working together, these young writers remind us that the future of our environment lies in our hands—and that each of us has a role to play.

As we look forward to the announcement of the winners, we extend our congratulations to all participants and a thank you to the Science teachers of the Enrichment classes in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9. Your work is a testament to the strength of the community and the importance of conservation. We hope this experience will inspire you to continue exploring science and advocating for the environment in the years to come.

Good luck to all the entrants, and thank you for contributing your voices to this important conversation!

Mr Duncan Dewar

Leader of Learning Writing