Past Topics

2011-2012

Submit a 2,500-3,000 word essay on a topic based on one of the following themes. Your essay should include a description of how your topic is relevant to your studies, as well as its impact on society today and into the future. Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, make reference to the relevant literature, and be accessible to a readership with a general knowledge of science.

A) Medicine

B) Environment

C) Science education

D) Technology and society

E) 20th Century scientific discovery

2009-2010

Submit a 2,500-3,000 word essay on a topic based on one of the following themes. Your essay should include a description of how your topic is relevant to your studies, as well as its impact on society today and into the future. Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, make reference to the relevant literature, and be accessible to a readership with a general knowledge of science.

A) Environment

B) Medicine

C) Science policy

D) Exploration and discovery

2008-2009

"Select one 20th century discovery, invention, proof or experiment in the biological or physical sciences that has had a significant influence on your studies.

Submit a 2,500-3,000-word essay that describes your selection, explains its relevance to your studies and discusses its impact on society today and into the future. Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, yet understandable by a readership with a general interest in and knowledge of science."

2007-2008

Select one of the following themes. Submit a 2,500-3,000 word essay that describes your selection, explains its relevance to your studies and discusses its impact on society today and into the future. Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, make reference to the relevant literature, and be accessible to a readership with a general knowledge of science. Please indicate which theme you selected, on the front cover of your submission.

A) Science and exploration
B) Politics and scientific research
C) Science and ethics
D) Medicine and society
E) Science and universities

2006-2007

Select one of the following themes. Submit a 2,500-3,000 word essay that describes your selection, explains its relevance to your studies and discusses its impact on society today and into the future. Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, make reference to the relevant literature, and be accessible to a readership with a general knowledge of science.

A) Science and Policy
B) Medicine and Ethics
C) Politics and Conservation
D) Science and Education
E) Discovery and Exploration
F) Technology and Society

2004-2005

"Science is part of everyday life. But the basic scientific principles and processes that underlay our daily routines often go unnoticed. How might a better understanding of the science benefit the individual, and perhaps society as a whole?

Select and describe one activity that is conducted, or object that is utilized, in everyday life and explain the science behind it. Explain its significance in scientific terms, and its implications in political, social, historic, economic, and environmental realms, as applicable.

Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, yet understandable by a readership with a general interest in and knowledge of science."

2003-2004

"Select one 20th century discovery, invention, proof or experiment in the biological or physical sciences that has had a significant influence on your studies.

Submit a 2,500-3,000-word essay that describes your selection, explains its relevance to your studies and discusses its impact on society today and into the future. Your submission must be scientifically and technically accurate, yet understandable by a readership with a general interest in and knowledge of science."

CONTACT INFORMATION

Barbara Kern
702-8717
The John Crerar Library, Office 129
crerar-prize@lib.uchicago.edu
www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/crerar/crerar-prize/