The Lasker Foundation has launched its 2018 Essay Contest. This exciting challenge engages young scientists and clinicians in a discussion about the big questions in biology and medicine today and the role of biomedical research in our society. The contest aims to build skills in communicating important medical and scientific issues to broader audiences.

The Foundation seeks essays of 800 words or less on the following topic: How can social media help build trust in science and the research enterprise?

First-place award is $10,000 and an expense-paid trip (economy class travel and one-night hotel stay) to New York City to meet the 2018 Lasker Award winners (on September 21, 2018). Second- and third-place prizes are $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. All monetary prizes are to be used towards educational expenses.

Deadline for submitting essays is Friday, March 30, 2018. For more information, including eligibility, prizes, and to learn about previous winners, visit the Lasker Essay Contest website.