Medicover Genetics announces DNA Essay Contest 2024 results

Medicover Genetics, Cyprus provided a unique opportunity for Cypriot high school students (public and private) and technical schools (16-19 years old) to participate in an essay contest that was dedicated to World DNA Day celebrated on 25 April.

The essay contest was opened from 12 January to 10 April, and the winners were announced on 25 April at Medicover Genetics’ Social Media channels.

The evaluation committee received a plethora of outstanding submissions, making the selection of winners a challenging task, Medicover Genetics said. All entries were evaluated by a team of scientific and communications experts.

The first place was awarded to Angeliki Charitonos from Acropolis Lyceum in Nicosia, under the guidance of her Biology teacher Charis Georgakaki Pieri. The second place was awarded to Naya Al Sunna from Pascal English School in Larnaca, under the guidance of her Biology teacher Angeliki Pantziarou. Both winners will receive their awards in the coming weeks, and their essays will be featured on the Medicover Genetics website at a later stage. They will also have the opportunity to visit Medicover Genetics' state-of-the-art laboratories in Nicosia, Cyprus. Additionally, two more students received Honourable Commendation awards and four more students received Commendation awards for their exceptional essays.

"We are honoured that this initiative was supported by the Cyprus Biology Review Committee and the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth," said Prof. Philippos Patsalis, Executive Director of Medicover Genetics, Cyprus. "The level of student engagement in this contest is impressing and we acknowledge their hard work, diligence and dedication in doing thorough research around the topic and writing their essays."

Medicover Genetics' contest has successfully fulfilled its primary goal of raising awareness about the importance of DNA, how the information that lies in the DNA can cause inherited diseases to develop, and the significance of genetic testing and diagnosis. As Prof. Patsalis stated, "Our vision is to inspire and encourage young scientists to explore the exciting world of genetics and to follow the STEM. We are excited to continue organizing similar initiatives in the future and to explore other key areas within the field of genetics."