2025 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest
Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman was a virologist who developed more than half of the vaccines that young children receive today. His work, credited with saving 8 million lives every year, was cutting edge. Even though not everyone will be a scientist like Dr. Hilleman, everyone should understand how science works because the resulting discoveries and advancements shape daily life. To celebrate Dr. Hilleman’s legacy, students in grades 6 to 12* from the U.S. & Canada have an opportunity to learn about Dr. Hilleman and reflect on a particular scientific advancement, its role in daily life and how it demonstrates the importance of all citizens understanding what science enables us to do and how.
New for 2025! Essay Contest Resources
Visit these pages to find helpful essay contest-related resources:
The Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest is a program of the Vaccine Makers Project (VMP), presented by the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (VEC). The VMP provides free school-based materials about the immune system, diseases, vaccines, STEM careers, and evaluating information.
Thank you to the co-sponsors of the 2025 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest:
Find information about our co-sponsors on their websites:
Public Health Association of BC
Kids Boost Immunity
Society for Intelligence Management
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
We would also like to thank Mrs. Lorraine Hilleman for her ongoing support and participation in the contest.
Who?
Students in grades 6 to 12* living in the United States (including District of Columbia and U.S. Territories) or Canada and enrolled in a public, private, cyber, religious or charter school or who attend a home school program can participate. First and second place will be awarded in the high school and middle school categories in each country.
*Grades 6 to 11 in Quebec
What?
Learn about Dr. Hilleman, and write a 500- to 1,000-word essay that responds to this prompt: "Not everyone will be a prolific scientist like Dr. Hilleman, but all citizens need to understand how science works. Use an example to discuss why this understanding is important given the role of science and technology in society today.” Essay should be written in English for U.S. submissions and English or French for Canadian submissions using complete sentences and appropriate grammar. One entry per person. See “Official Rules” for complete details.
Winners will receive:
Cash prize: 1st place US$500; 2nd place US$250
Winner certificate
Recognition at a virtual award event in May, 2025
Event will be hosted by Dr. Paul Offit - VEC director, vaccine inventor and Hilleman biographer. The event will also include special guests and student winners reading their essays.
How?
Completed entries must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, February 6, 2025, or postmarked by February 6 if mailed. Submissions that are incomplete, do not address the prompt, do not follow the contest rules, or are not received by this time will not be considered.
Click on your country of residence to find out more and enter.
Bonus!
Teacher named in each winning student's entry will receive a signed copy of a book written by Paul A. Offit, MD, and a 1-year, free membership to the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), graciously provided by NABT.