DOE CSGF Essay Contest - Rules & Selection Criteria

The DOE CSGF Essay Contest encourages improved communication between scientists and non-expert audiences regarding the value of computational science and engineering to society. This competition is open to all fellows and alumni, including previous winners of this competition.

The essays will be judged by a panel comprised of a working scientist, a science writer and a lay person. The winning essay will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and, if warranted, other essays will be selected for honorable mention awards and receive cash prizes of $500.

Each applicant's entry must be submitted electronically, and entries are due in January of each year. Along with the entry, each applicant must provide a signed copy of the Publication Release Form.

Rules

1. Each applicant may submit only one essay; it must be the original work of the submitter
2. Each essay must be relevant to computational science and engineering
3. Essays should be no longer than 1,000 words
4. Essays may not contain non-text elements (e.g. graphs, photographs)
5. Essays must be submitted via e-mail attachment in a common file format (PDF, MS Word, or a text file)

A tip sheet is available for download and contains a brief list of recommendations to assist with essay preparation. Please contact us for further information or to submit your essay.

Criteria for the Judging of Entries

1. The essay must be clearly written, accurate, creative and informative
2. The essay must illustrate the value of computational science and engineering to society
3. The essay must be original work that effectively communicates to a lay audience