The 2008 Awards are now closed.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have entered this year's awards and wish you all the best in the judging stages. Details of winning entries will be announced on this website in due course. Good luck!

Please continue to browse this website for details of the awards, previous winners, news and announcements.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said:

“Scientists can - and do - change the world. Whether it's inventing the world wide web, developing medicines that can save lives or looking for a solution to climate change they are at the centre of the modern world. That's why we're introducing a new curriculum in schools to give students more time to concentrate on the big ideas and the way that science can be used. I think science is something every young person should consider - and there are a wide range of careers that are on offer. I'm delighted to endorse the Telegraph Science Writer competition and I'd encourage every young person considering a career in science - and all those who are not - to enter and hopefully they will see their work in print.”

Now in their 21st year, The Daily Telegraph/Bayer Science Writer Awards 2008 give you the opportunity to write on any scientific or science-related subject to inform and entertain the millions of people who read The Daily Telegraph and telegraph.co.uk. Backed by the Royal Society, the nation's academy of science, we have thousands of pounds of prizes to give away, offer the chance to see your articles published and the opportunity to travel as a reporter. Previous winners now work for prestigious journals, Fleet Street and other media. This could be your stepping stone to success.

Prizes include:

• Your article published in The Daily Telegraph
• Work placement within the industry
• Cash prizes
• Subscriptions to Nature and New Scientist magazines
• Special prize for Schools and Teachers

This year, we are now offering each of the short listed entries the chance to spend the day at the offices of The Daily Telegraph in Central London to understand the ins and outs of newspaper journalism, the processes that go in to making the newspaper and how science editor Roger Highfield spends his day writing for The Daily Telegraph and telegraph.co.uk. To find out more, see our Prizes section.

Roger Highfield's launch article

Click here to read Roger Highfield's launch article as featured in The Daily Telegraph.

View video

Roger Highfield, Telegraph science editor, asks the judges why the Bayer/Telegraph science writer competition matters.

A word from our sponsors

Science and communication have to work together if we are to progress. At Bayer, we want our talent pool to be as rich and full as possible. Good communication of the wonder, fascination and relevance of science is absolutely essential to this. That's why Bayer is proud to support these awards - putting its faith in science, and those who will tell the world all about it.

For more information about Bayer and it's many achievements in science click here now.

Many of the best scientists are also outstanding communicators, and the ability to write about science in an accessible and interesting way is a talent that is much in demand. The Royal Society is delighted to support this year's awards to promote science writing and encourage pupils, students and young researchers to connect with a wide audience through their words.

For more information about The Royal Society, the world's oldest academy of science, click here now