ASTC and UNAI Launch ISCSMD Contest

Within the framework of the International Science Center and Science Museum Day, the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) is collaborating with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to hold a contest open to college and university students from Africa. Entrants are invited to submit a 500-800 word statement, in English, addressing how attaining one United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) could be facilitated by scientific inquiry and research and suggesting practical ways of doing so.

This is an opportunity to share thoughts on how to better document the SDGs and to facilitate communication and education about their objectives so that more global citizens can be mobilized for their successful achievement.

Submission deadline: June 30, 2016

Eligibility and selection process: The contest is open to students who are, on June 30, 2016, enrolled in a course of study at a college or university and who are nationals of a Member State of the African Union. The entry should be accompanied by a signed statement of a responsible official at the educational institution confirming the entrant’s status as an enrolled student and eligibility by nationality.

Ten finalists will be selected to present and further discuss their submission with the judges panel in an online seminar during the last week of July 2016. Participation in this seminar is required to be considered for the prize.

One winner will be invited to participate in the celebration of International Science Center and Science Museum Day at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on November 10, 2016. Award: The winner will receive an official invitation letter from UNESCO. Costs for travel and a subsistence allowance to attend the event will be covered by UNESCO (economy airfare, two hotel nights, plus food and transportation). If the winner cannot travel to Paris for International Science Center and Science Museum Day on November 10, no travel/cash prize will be awarded.

How to Enter: Email the completed entry form to Walter Staveloz, wstaveloz@astc.org, by June 30, 2016.