History of the Award
We founded the YSWA to widen access to science writing, giving students in state-funded, non-selective schools a national platform to be heard.
"My husband and I founded this award to empower students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to achieve in subjects that are near and dear to our hearts. We want to give them a sense of possibility, helping them realise that they, too, can shine and achieve greatness no matter their background." - Alex O'Brien, Vice-Chair ABSW
The Story Behind the Young Science Writer Award and Our Eligibility Criteria
The Young Science Writer Award was created to widen participation in science communication. We began the YSWA after noticing a persistent gap: many competitions and enrichment opportunities disproportionately reach students who already have strong institutional support, time, and access to coaching. Yet talent is widely distributed. Opportunity is not.
The YSWA is designed to be a national platform where young people can practise evidence-led reasoning, communicate clearly, and see their ideas taken seriously—regardless of school context. We believe science writing is not a “nice extra”; it is a foundational skill for scientific literacy, civic participation, and future study.
Why these Eligibility Criteria?
Our eligibility criteria are a deliberate fairness mechanism. They focus the opportunity where additional support and visibility can have the greatest marginal impact.
We prioritise entrants who are:
- Aged 14–16 – an important stage for developing confidence, academic identity, and choices about future pathways.
- Educated in state-funded, non-selective schools – where access to enrichment, specialist support, and competition coaching is often more limited and uneven.
- Home-schooled due to disability – so that students are not excluded from participation because of health-related barriers to mainstream schooling.
This approach reflects a widening-participation principle: reducing structural advantage in order to create a more level playing field for recognition and progression.
If You're Not Eligible
We recognise this focus can be disappointing for students in independent or selective schools who care deeply about science and writing. The decision is not a judgement of anyone’s ability or commitment. It is a way of staying faithful to the award’s original purpose: expanding access to a platform that builds confidence, skill, and visibility for students who are less likely to receive similar opportunities.
We encourage ineligible students and teachers to explore other excellent science-writing competitions that are open to a broader audience. We remain committed to celebrating high-quality science writing and hope the YSWA contributes to a wider culture of young people communicating science well.
How we Ensure Fairness and inclusion
We aim to make the competition rigorous, respectful, and accessible. This includes transparent judging criteria, an emphasis on evidence-led argument, and reasonable adjustments for access needs where required. We also continually review the competition’s reach and impact, and we welcome constructive feedback.
