2023 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest

2023 Writing prompt:

Preparedness is an important component of science as demonstrated by Maurice Hilleman when he identified the 1957 influenza pandemic. How is preparedness critical in science today?

French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur once said, “In the fields of observation, chance favors only the mind which is prepared.” Virologist Maurice R. Hilleman embodied these words throughout his life and career. Dr. Hilleman developed over half of the vaccines that young children receive today, and his work is estimated to save about 8 million lives every year. His ability to recognize opportunities and potential threats was essential to his success. 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 the significance of preparedness in science. 
*Grades 6 to 11 in Quebec  

Thank you to the co-sponsors of the 2023 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest:

2023 essay contest co-sponsor logos

Find information about our co-sponsors on their websites: 
Public Health Association of BC
Kids Boost Immunity
Frontline Immunity 

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. (Judging will take into consideration author’s age, and winners will be named by country.) 
*Grades 6 to 11 in Quebec  

What?

Learn about Dr. Hilleman, and then write a 500- to 600-word essay that responds to the prompt: “Preparedness is an important component of science as demonstrated by Maurice Hilleman when he identified the 1957 influenza pandemic. How is preparedness critical in science today?” Essay should be written in English or French using complete sentences and appropriate grammar. One entry per person. See “Official Rules” at HillemanFilm.com for complete details.  

3 Winners will each receive:

US$500 cash prize

Winner certificate 

Recognition at a virtual award event on Friday, September 29, 2023. 
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, June 9, 2023, or postmarked by June 9, if mailed. Submissions that are incomplete or 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 winning entries will receive a signed copy of Pan­dora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong, written by Paul A. Offit, MD, and a 1-year, free membership to the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), graciously provided by NABT.

NABT logo

2023 Contest flyers to share or display

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2023 MRH Essay Contest flyer- English

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2023 MRH Essay Contest flyer- French