Political cartoonists wanted

Janet has already mentioned this, but I know I have a number of artistic readers here, so take note:

Teaming up with leading editorial and strip cartoonists, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today announced an editorial cartoon contest to draw attention to political interference in science. Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest will bring together aspiring cartoonists to compete to win a number of prizes, including an all-expenses paid trip to meet the celebrity judge of their choice. A second contest for professional cartoonists will run concurrently with Science Idol.

"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."

The submission deadline for both contests is 11:59 p.m. EST on July 31, 2006.

Much more info at The "Science Idol" website.

More like this

On occasion, I find my mood drifting toward happiness or complacency. But when I notice my anger dissipating over the two budget cuts (in three years) of my main US NIH research grant, I merely head over to California Rep. Henry Waxman's compilation, Politics & Science: Investigating the State of Science Under the Bush Administration, for a refreshingly restorative negative vibe. It's a gold mine for cartoonists looking for subject matter.