DETAILED GUIDELINES:
Introduction
Since time immemorial, Muslims have been playing a very progressive part in the field of science and innovation. There were over 20 Muslim Scientists during the Golden Age in history. Scientists such as Al-Khawarizmi, Al-Farabi, Ibn-e-Sina, Al-Biruni, Umar-ibne-Khayam, Al-Ghazali, Ibne-Rushd and Ibne-Khuldum, to name a few, are eminent figures, who have made tremendous contributions to the fields of medicine, astronomy, mathematics, physics, chemistry and so on and so forth.
But what about the contemporary world? Why haven’t Muslims fared well in science in the modern world? What would it take to reinvigorate the curiosity and fascination of science today? What does the future of science in the Muslim World look like?
These questions must form an integral part of a conversation and debate within the Muslim World. This conversation must be inspired, sparked, and carried forward by people – scientists-innovators and those from the broader society – who have the knack and passion for communicating science in a cogent manner. This conversation must begin at home.
Looking for the CARL SAGAN of the MUSLIM WORLD
localhost/muslim is an online journal and portal dedicated to the revival of science and innovation in the Islamic World defined broadly as a geographical construct comprising 57 member countries of the OIC as well as people of OIC-origin living elsewhere in the West. It hopes to do so, by providing its readers and stakeholders in the Islamic World — and to those from the West — with a space for an informed, inspiring, and unbiased dialogue about Science, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Muslim Lands and by Muslims elsewhere, as well as important, but often overlooked, issues at the intersection of science, religion, politics, culture, and society in the Islamic.
The MSC’s Science Writer Award is the first of its kind Global Competition that seeks to encourage, inspire, and engage the creative writers, science communicators, and story tellers amongst us to write to create a discourse about science and innovation in Muslim Societies.
The Suggested Themes for the Essays are the following:
1) Using science to drive innovation: challenges and opportunities
2) Islam and Science: Is a reconciliation possible?
3) The Scientific Future of the Muslim World Shall be Different – Why or Why Not?
4) Societies’ Role in Inspiring Scientific Curiosity and Creativity
5) Why do I study science? (Special Theme for Young Writers)
The above ideas are illustrative of the broad themes and do not have to be the precise topics of the essays. The writers may exercise limited creative license around the above general areas.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all, be it students, leaders, professionals or the general public.
There is no age limit for the competition.
However, there is a special Student Prize to encourage youth participation for students under the age of 16 (High School).
Deadlines
Participants will be given a three month long time period, from 30th March 2014 to 30th June 2014, during which contestants may submit their essays for consideration.
However, all essays received shall be screened and those that score beyond a certain level shall be ‘shortlisted’ as Semi-Finalists and published on localhost/muslim on a rolling basis.
An Internal jury will select the Top-10 entries out of these published essays which will then be judged by an External Jury for the two Top Prizes.
Prizes
MSC will give away prizes for the following:
i. The localhost/muslim Science Writers Award – a cash prize of $500 for the best submission of the competition
ii. The localhost/muslim Young Writers Award– a cash prize of $250 for the best submission by a student (the individual needs to be an enrolled student under the age of 16 at the time of submission of the essay )
iii. All Semi Finalists shall receive a Certificate of Participation by e-mail signed by localhost/muslim
iv. The shortlisted student candidates will be given the chance to do a virtual internship (unpaid) with localhost/muslim for up to 3 months.
Rules
1. Participants must prepare and submit one written submission in order to take part in the competition.
2. Only one submission will be accepted per participant.
3. Only original essays will be considered for the competition. Previously published essays are invalid. By submitting an essay, the writers certify that the work is original and not plagiarized or previously published. Essays found to be plagiarized shall not be disqualified and not eligible for the contest.
4. The essay shall be no longer than 750-1000 words (max.)
5. A catchy but relevant title is to be given to the essay. However, Editors of localhost/muslim reserve the right to modify the title before publishing, if necessary.
6. References must be given, wherever required.
7. The writer(s) may provide one or more relevant visual to go with the essay. The Editors of the localhost/muslim reserve the right to use these visuals or use alternate visuals, if required.
8. Those competing in the ‘Young Writers (Student) Category’ must clearly identify themselves as a student and furnish the proof of their age.
9. Each essay must clearly state the name, email address, telephone contact, address, and the institutional affiliation, if any.
*The results of this essay writing competition have been announced. Please follow link here.
