NZBio Essay competition winners announced

NZBio congratulates all entrants in the 2006 NZBio Secondary School Student’s Essay Competition.

“The essays demonstrated an excellent level of insight and consideration in answering the question: ‘Will xenotransplantation solve the organ donor shortfall? Explain the science and explore the issues’,” NZBio’s CEO Brian Ward says.

Ella Franklin of Epsom Girls Grammar in Auckland was awarded first prize and will receive $500.

“Ella’s essay describes some of the ethical and medical challenges of xenotransplantation, but also points out there could be great future benefits. This was a well rounded essay written in a clear and concise style, which impressed the judges.”

Second prize and $300 goes to Kelly Pyun of Otago Girls High School in Dunedin. Kelly’s essay provided a detailed description of the science and issues, including the need for immunosuppression and resulting side effects.

Natalie Crimp of Linwood College in Christchurch was awarded third place, and will receive $150 in prize money. Natalie’s essay was well researched and covered some of the potential options and obstacles involved in xenotransplantation.

“The standard of entries was again very high and the judges had a difficult task deciding on the top three essays. We were very pleased this year to see such in-depth knowledge about this emerging field of science from secondary school students,” Mr Ward says.

“NZBio congratulates all students who entered and we look forward to receiving a similar standard of essays in next year’s competition.”

ENDS

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