High School Level (grades 9-12)
Topics range depending upon the sponsoring organization, and include the use of animals in biomedical research and testing, and history, methods & advances in biomedicine. Prizes vary depending on state, and include cash prizes and summer laboratory internships for students.

Organizations Sponsoring High School Essay Competitions:
California Biomedical Research Association (CA), Tel. 916.558.1515
Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, Inc., Tel. 978.251.1556
Michigan Society for Medical Research, Tel. 734.763.8029
Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research, Tel. 717.731.3557
Southwest Association for Education in Biomedical Research (AZ, NM), Tel. 520.621.3931
Texas Society for Biomedical Research, Tel. 512.370.1660

Middle School Level (grades 5-8)
There are a variety of topics including "What’s the Point of Biomedical Research?" and "Amazing Animal Research." The "What’s the Point?" contest uses the storybook of the same name. In the "Amazing Animal Research" contest, students can compete in four separate categories -- essay, poster, website, or trading card. Cash prizes, savings bonds, and Scientist-for-a-Day experiences are some of the prizes for the winners.

Sponsoring Organizations:
The Health, Safety & Research Alliance of New York State, Tel. 914.291.1944
Massachusetts Society for Medical Research, Inc., Tel. 978.251.1556
Michigan Society for Medical Research, Tel. 734.763.8029
North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research, Tel. 919.785.1304
Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research, Tel. 717.731.3557
Texas Society for Biomedical Research, Tel. 512.370.1660
Washington Association for Biomedical Research, Tel. 206.956.3645

For more information on middle or high school essay competitions in your state, please contact the organizations above or refer to the State Network of Biomedical Research & Education Organizations' "Contact Information, Programs and Materials" brochure.