2023 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest
Dr. Maurice Hilleman was a vaccine visionary, developing over half of the vaccines that young children receive today, which continues to save about 8 million lives every year. In his honour, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia hosts an essay contest and invites students from grades 6-12 to submit a 500-600 word entry by June 9th, 2023. Kids Boost Immunity is a proud Canadian partner for the contest, and we hope to see some KBI students take home the top prize! The essay topic is:
"Preparedness is an important component of science as demonstrated by Maurice Hilleman when he identified the 1957 influenza pandemic. How is preparedness critical in science today?"
The essay can be written in English or French, and judges will consider the student's age and writing level in addition to the content of the essay when reviewing submissions. Three winners will receive US$500 and recognition at a virtual award event hosted by vaccine inventor and researcher Dr. Paul Offit.
Who?
Students in grades 6 to 12* living in the United States or Canada and enrolled in a public, private, cyber, religious or charter school or who attend a home school program can participate. (Judging will take into consideration author’s age, and winners will be named by country.)
*Grades 6 to 11 in Quebec
What?
Learn about Dr. Hilleman, and then write a 500- to 600-word essay that responds to the prompt: “Preparedness is an important component of science as demonstrated by Maurice Hilleman when he identified the 1957 influenza pandemic. How is preparedness critical in science today?” Essay should be written in English or French using complete sentences and appropriate grammar. One entry per person. See the “Official Rules” here at HillemanFilm.com.
How?
Completed entries must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, June 9, 2023, or postmarked by June 9, if mailed. Submissions that are incomplete or not received by this time will not be considered.
Bonus!
Teacher named in winning students’ entries will receive a signed copy of Pandora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong, written by Paul A. Offit, MD., and a 1-year, complimentary membership to the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), graciously provided by NABT.
Ready to submit?
Canadian submission details can be found here.