The EAN Student Task Force is delighted to announce the return of the very popular ‘Why Neurology?’ essay competition this spring, before the 9th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, in Budapest 1-4 July 2023.
The aims of the competition are to understand the reasons that people choose neurology as a subspecialty and to get to know our EAN Student Members a little better, whilst also making neurology more visible among undergraduate medical students.
Recruiting young and driven future neurologists who could later become leaders and mentors in neurology is a high priority for the EAN, as is increasing the engagement of medical students in EAN activities.
To capture the ideas expressed by the future neurologists and to provide an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students, the winners of the ‘Why Neurology?’ essay competition will be invited to present their work during the congress, onsite in Budapest.
Eligibility
To enter the essay competition, you must be an undergraduate medical student who is an EAN Student member. If you are a non-member, we would be delighted to welcome you as an EAN Student Member (please apply here). Membership for undergraduate students is free of charge.
Competition requirements & submission instructions
The contest is open to all EAN Student Members of all nationalities. Applicants are asked to submit an essay of no more than 750 words on the topic ‘Why Neurology?’ in English, via this online form.
The essay should not include headings, acknowledgements, bibliographies, names or institutions. Please do NOT include your name in the main text, to ensure anonymity during the judging process.
Winning essays will be published on our news blog, EANpages. Notification will be made prior to publication but submission of an application will be taken as acceptance of these conditions.
The questions listed below can be used as guidance, but do not necessarily need to be considered or answered. Competitors are encouraged to tailor their essay response to reflect their own point of view on the subject.
- Why is neurology important to you?
- Why are you considering choosing neurology?
- What are the biggest goals for you as a future neurologist?
Kindly note, that by entering the competition, you will accept the possible invitation to present your essay onsite at the EAN Annual Congress in Budapest.
Prizes
There will be five travel grants of €300 to one of the next EAN Congresses, either 2023 or 2024, for the best 5 competitors.
Winners will be invited to present their work at the 9th EAN Annual Congress in Budapest, and they will receive a certificate for their accomplishment.
Winning essays will be also published on EANpages.
Judging
The essays will be judged by the EAN Student Task Force members, supported by the Resident and Research Fellow Section Office.
Judging criteria
Essays will be judged according to the following criteria:
- Originality and quality
- Ideas and concepts expressed within
- Creativity and clarity
Deadline
All participants must submit their work no later than 31 March 2023, 23:30 CEST. The winners will be announced in April. The presentations are scheduled to take place during the 9th EAN Annual Congress.
More detailed information on the presentation session will follow-up.
Further Information
If you would like further information on this competition, please contact Mira Niemi of the EAN Membership Department at membership@ean.org.
