2023 PBL Essay Contest

Submission Deadline: Sunday march 12th, 2023

Co-hosted by: The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR).

Generously sponsored by: Incyte, and Americans for Medical Progress.

Eligibility: All 6th-12th grade students in Delaware, including (but not limited to): public and private schools, home and cyber schools, and youth organizations.

Details: The Project Brain Light Annual Essay Contest is divided into two separate contests- one for 6th, 7th & 8th graders AND one for High School students (9th - 12th graders).

Discover the connection between biomedical research, animal research, and your life! The contest recognizes students who artfully demonstrate a superior understanding of the connection between their life and biomedical research (including the need for animals in that research).

The essay contest is FREE to enter and consists of CASH prizes and more!

Contest themes

Middle School (6th, 7th & 8th Grade) Essay Contest

Topic: "What is Biomedical Research?"

Be creative! Think, Research, Write! Explore the entire biomedical research process, including the role of animals in research, and how it leads to new medical treatments and cures.

Questions to consider: What is the biomedical research process? What are the regulations involved in research? What methods are used in biomedical research? How has it impacted your life or family members? How about your pet's life? What role do animals play in research? How does this research improve the health of both humans and animals?

Find contest requirements here: 2023 Middle School Essay Contest Details

Judging Rubric: 2023 Middle School Essay Contest Judging Rubric

Contest Rules: 2023 PBL Official Contest Rules

High School Essay Contest:

Topic: "Biomedical Research and My Life"

Be sure to focus on one specific biomedical breakthrough. Investigate the process of biomedical research, including the role of animals in that research, that leads to the development of new treatments and cures. This will allow you to learn how medicines, medical devices, and/or surgical procedures are developed with the help of animal models and human clinical trials. Be sure to consider the wide range of topics available including human and veterinary treatments.

Questions to consider: Do you know someone who has benefited from vaccinations, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, surgery, or transplants? How does animal research help advance medicine and science? How have these life-saving technologies been developed? How has biomedical research affected the health of your dog, cat, or other pet?

Find contest requirements here: 2023 High School Essay Contest Details

Judging Rubric: 2023 High School Essay Contest Judging Rubric

Contest Rules: 2023 PBL Official Contest Rules

Submission Deadline: Sunday march 12th, 2023

Questions?  Email PBLcontests@gmail.com.

Digital Submission: Essays must be submitted via email to PBLcontests@gmail.com.

Print a flyer to post in your classroom or share with friends!

Click here to see our 2022 Contest winners.