Tue, 11 Sep 2012
A space-loving science student from the University of East Anglia could win a £1,000 national prize for an essay about life in our universe and beyond.
Andrew Rushby (pictured), who is studying for a PhD in the university’s School of Environmental Science, submitted his work into this year’s prestigious Guardian and Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize.
He fought off stiff competition from over 600 other entrants to be one of the nine finalists in the ‘professional scientists’ category, impressing judges including television presenter Liz Bonnin, Guardian network editor Emily Wilson, and comedian and writer Robin Ince.
Andrew’s essay details the journey of the Voyager 1 space probe, launched by NASA in 1977, which is about to leave the solar system. He considers the new opportunities this will bring to discover more about the galaxy, and the possible other life forms that might be within it.
His current studies focus on the habitability of Earth and other planets, and how likely it is that these other worlds can support life.
Andrew said: “I really enjoy writing, and thought this competition was the perfect opportunity to reach out to a wider audience and discuss my ideas.
“I consider it part of my remit as a scientist to be able to convey my research in an interesting format to anyone who will listen!”
Prof Andrew Watson, Andrew’s supervisor at UEA, said: “Andrew's article is about the excitement and wonder that the science of the universe and the place of humans in it is generating now, at the start of the 21st century. It's a fine article by a very talented writer, and it's a privilege to be working with such a promising student.”
As well as being in the running to win the top prize, Andrew also gets to attend a science writing workshop with journalists from the Guardian.
The winner of the competition will be announced at a ceremony in London on September 19.
He fought off stiff competition from over 600 other entrants to be one of the nine finalists in the ‘professional scientists’ category, impressing judges including television presenter Liz Bonnin, Guardian network editor Emily Wilson, and comedian and writer Robin Ince.
Andrew’s essay details the journey of the Voyager 1 space probe, launched by NASA in 1977, which is about to leave the solar system. He considers the new opportunities this will bring to discover more about the galaxy, and the possible other life forms that might be within it.
His current studies focus on the habitability of Earth and other planets, and how likely it is that these other worlds can support life.
Andrew said: “I really enjoy writing, and thought this competition was the perfect opportunity to reach out to a wider audience and discuss my ideas.
“I consider it part of my remit as a scientist to be able to convey my research in an interesting format to anyone who will listen!”
Prof Andrew Watson, Andrew’s supervisor at UEA, said: “Andrew's article is about the excitement and wonder that the science of the universe and the place of humans in it is generating now, at the start of the 21st century. It's a fine article by a very talented writer, and it's a privilege to be working with such a promising student.”
As well as being in the running to win the top prize, Andrew also gets to attend a science writing workshop with journalists from the Guardian.
The winner of the competition will be announced at a ceremony in London on September 19.
