Are you an amateur satirical cartoonist? Are you seeking greater exposure for your editorial cartoons about science and scientific integrity? Never fear, there now is a new contest especially for you.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today announced that they are teaming up with leading editorial and strip cartoonists to present an editorial cartoon contest. The goal? To draw attention to political meddling in science while simultaneously bringing together aspiring cartoonists to compete for a number of prizes, including an all-expenses paid trip to meet the celebrity judge of their choice. The contest, known as Science Idol, also will hold a second concurrent contest for professional cartoonists.
Science Idol contest judges include New Yorker cartoon editor Robert Mankoff; Philadelphia Inquirer cartoonist Tony Auth and Christian Science Monitor cartoonist Clay Bennett, both winners of the Pulitzer Prize; and Rhymes with Orange creator Hillary Price.
"The absurdity of political interference in science is fertile ground for satire," said Dr. Francesca Grifo, Senior Scientist and Director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program. "We hope these contests encourage amateur and professional cartoonists alike to express concern -- through humor and art -- about the impact of the abuse of science on our safety, health and environment."
Science Idol: Amateur artists are invited to submit their work to UCS. Entries can address the abuse of science in general or highlight one or more of the ways in which science has been misused (the muzzling of global warming scientists or the suppression of studies on the harmful effects of mercury on women are two of many possible topics). The celebrity judge panel will work with UCS to narrow the pool to twelve finalists. The public will then choose the Grand Prize winner by voting through the contest website. The Grand Prize winner will receive a host of prizes, including $500 and an all-expenses-paid trip to have lunch with the celebrity judge of his or her choice.
Scientific Integrity Professional Cartoon Contest: Professional cartoonists are invited to submit cartoons to UCS that have been or will be published in daily or weekly newspapers or magazines between May 1 and July 31 (or are scheduled to be published by October 1, 2006). Their peers will determine the best cartoon and the winning artist will receive a cash prize.
The submission deadline for both contests is 11:59 p.m. EST on July 31, 2006.
Finalists for Science Idol will be posted on the contest website on September 5, 2006.
Please visit the contest website for contest rules and entry instructions.
Formed in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit organization that is working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.
