Awards and Events
The 2008 MacDiarmid Competition
The competition
There are three stages in the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year competition. You will only go forward to the next stage if you are one of the best entrants at the previous stage.
Stage one: Research, science and technology judging
The quality of your research is assessed through a 750-word summary of your research project, including the research question(s), research methods and results. Entries have closed.
(60 percent of your mark)
Stage two: Communication judging
If you receive a high grade at stage one, you will be invited to submit two communication entries that demonstrate your ability to communicate to a teenage audience. The entries are a poster in PDF format and either a short essay or a video/audio clip.
(40 percent of your mark)
Stage three: Final judging
The scores of the first two stages are combined. If you are among the top entrants, you will be invited to present your research to a panel of top research, science and technology judges and answer questions about your research. The judges then select the overall winner, runner-up and category winners and runner-ups. In addition, a Masters Award is given to the best Masters level entry.
Competition guidelines
There are a number of entry criteria:
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only one entry is permitted per person
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entering this year does not preclude you from submitting a new entry in later years
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each entry must be accompanied by a declaration of assurance and a declaration of authorisation
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in the declaration of assurance you and your supervisor state that your entry is complete, that it is all your own work and meets all the entry criteria, including citizenship and no more than five years post doctorate
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in the declaration of authorisation your organisation agrees to allow your entry to be displayed for promotional purposes. If your research contains any commercially sensitive information, this must be discussed with your organisation to find a way to create communication entries that does not disclose this information.
How each stage is judged
Judging criteria for stage one
Research, science and technology judging
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| Up to 60 marks |
The research science and technology is ground-breaking, internationally leading edge science. Likely to create an internationally regarded position for New Zealand through new knowledge and value related to the goals of the proposal. |
| Up to 44 marks |
The research design and approach are clear and appropriate to the goals stated. The research is likely to result in the generation of valuable new knowledge. |
| Up to 29 marks |
The research summary does not convey sound research design and/or the research will not produce new worthwhile knowledge. |
Judging criteria for stage two
Poster
Communication of research to secondary students target audience via poster
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 marks | Does the poster clearly communicate one or more key messages? |
| 5 marks |
Is the poster in a format that helps to tell the story in a logical, succinct way that helps the reader to understand what is being presented? |
| 5 marks | Is the research presented in a way that tells its story well using clear simple language free from jargon? |
| 5 marks | Have imaginative graphics been used that complement the story and help to excite the audience? |
Other communication entry
Communication of research to secondary students target audience via story/short essay/video/audio
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 marks | Are key messages clearly communicated? |
| 5 marks | Is the research presented in a way that tells its story well using clear simple language free from jargon? |
| 5 marks | Is the information well organised into a logical structure that helps the audience understand the content? |
| 5 marks | Have innovative techniques been employed to attract and stimulate the audience? |
Judging criteria for stage three
Criteria for panel judging
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 40 marks | Demonstrate a high level of expertise in their field. |
| 40 marks | Communicate their research clearly and concisely. |
| 20 marks | Evidence of leadership qualities, maturity and self confidence. |
For further information, please see our frequently asked questions about the MacDiarmid awards.