November, 2007, The Daily Telegraph

Launch Article

By Roger Highfield, Science Editor

How many people really appreciate the importance of science? Do they realise quite how much it is changing our world? Not just for the worse, in terms of pollution and climate change, but for the better too – in terms of life expectancy, and the ability to travel more widely and experience more sensations, real and virtual, than at any time in human history? In fact, do they understand any science at all?

From biology to geology to mathematics, science has made the world what it is today, through the action of technology. That goes for everything from flat-screen TVs and mobile phones to hair straighteners, painkillers and anti-ageing creams.

But science also challenges us: the impact it has is often profound and often unsettling. Cloning, nanotechnology, IVF, space flight, gene therapy, the contraceptive pill and anti-cancer vaccines are all applications of science that have given rise to endless ethical debates and had profound social implications.

If our country is going to work efficiently, and if people are to trust scientists, the public needs to be kept abreast of what is going on in laboratories and on computers around the world. Now you have your chance to make a difference and help bridge that gaping chasm between the public’s perception of scientists and the world of science itself.

That is because today marks the launch of The Daily Telegraph’s 21st annual quest to find Britain’s outstanding young popularisers of science, engineering and technology. Some of the most distinguished figures in science are appealing to young people to compete for the chance to inspire the general reader with the joys of science, see their name in print and win prizes worth thousands of pounds. Backed by Bayer, the company that invented aspirin, and with the support of the Royal Society, this year’s competition has extended the age range for entry downwards by a year, so it is now open to anyone aged 15 to 28.

What are we looking for in the two age categories? In short, 700 or so words that are good enough to consider for publication on this page, and on our website at telegraph.co.uk. There will also be prizes for the best entry from schools, and the most inspiring teacher.

But if you want to take part, it would be best to listen to the wise words of our judges, who explain here what they are looking for in the hundreds of entries they will sift through before the closing date of March 31 next year.

Prof Richard Fortey, President, Geological Society, author of Dry Store Room No 1 (a biography of the Natural History Museum, London): "I would like to see contributions that break down the artificial divide between the world of science and the world of arts – things that are so well-written that they will propel people who have been through an arts education to think that science is really exciting, and really important."

Steve Painter, Bayer: "I’d like to see two things. The first is the fascination of science: explore that sense of wonder in your writing, and infect your readers with it. The second is to relate your theme to the real world, for example by looking at the benefits what you’re writing about will bring to the human race, the environment, the animal kingdom, or the business world – which is itself vital in making science relevant. If entrants can tie these two things together, they will have real success on their hands."

Sir David Attenborough, writer and broadcaster: "Entrants quite rightly believe that you have to engage the interest of the reader with the first paragraph, before moving on to the subject. But the real skill is to make sure there is a proper link between the two. Sometimes they get a terrific first and second paragraph, but they don’t, unfortunately, fit together. That is the biggest pit, the biggest failing."

Jeremy Webb, editor of New Scientist magazine: "Choose something that intrigues you. If you’re not intrigued, you’ll never succeed in exciting others about your idea. Fortunately, nature is ingenious, and so too are the people who ask questions about it – the scientists – so there are lots of ideas to go round. Be inquisitive. The best scientists ask difficult questions, and so do the best journalists. Finally, make sure you understand what you’re writing about. Don’t fudge. If you’re uncertain, find an expert on the web and contact them: you’ll be surprised how receptive they can be."

Fay Weldon, author: "Keep it simple, keep it accurate, and don’t talk down to your readers – just because they’re laypersons doesn’t mean they’re idiots. Mostly. Pass your enthusiasms on, sure – we like that – but forget the exclamation marks. Don’t feel you have to work too hard with parallels and cutesy jokes to lure your readers in; there is so much that’s interesting going on in science these days that you can let facts speak for themselves. If your prose is lucid, precise and informative, you’ll draw the readers in anyway. Warning: polish your final sentences – they sometimes come over as bathetic. Good luck to next year’s entry – you young science writers have a rare and special skill in your ability to communicate the world of science to the rest of us. Work on it!"

Adam Hart-Davis, author and broadcaster: "Before I started my writing career, I asked an expert how to write good English. He said, ‘Use short sentences, and don’t start them with "It…".’ This advice has worked well for me for 40 years, and I reckon it will work for anyone. Also, never try to blind your readers with science. Whether you are trying to describe the outpourings of the Large Hadron Collider or your toothpaste tube, use simple English, short words, and short sentences. This should help make your meaning clear."

Philip Campbell, editor-in-chief of Nature magazine: "I am looking for one thing: creativity. By that I mean creativity in putting together what is out there in the scientific literature into a nice piece, and creativity in your use of imagery. That is the watchword for me."

Mary Archer, chairman, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: "In terms of medicine, we have tended to have competition entries on the ‘Gee whizz, what a wonderful new treatment’ theme. But stories on the science that underpins the healthcare would also be also interesting. For example, there’s great new science emerging in the diagnosis of infection, transplantation, and the understanding of the brain."

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