LSST launches 2023 writing competition with panellists from CNN and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change – and a prize fund of £850
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 5 June 2023
LSST students are invited to participate in LSST’s second prestigious writing competition, offering a grand prize of £500 for the winner, along with runner-up prizes of £250 and £100. The winning entry will be published in LSST Life magazine and its author will be invited to an exclusive award ceremony. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change will also kindly provide the winners with a signed copy of Tony Blair’s book – A Journey.
Organised by Kunal Chan Mehta, LSST’s Public Relations Manager, this competition is open to all current LSST students across all courses and campuses. The initiative has gained panellist support from Monica Sarkar, Senior Editor at CNN International in London and Daniel Sleat, Senior Policy Advisor, Europe & Global Trends, at The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Speaking about the competition, Monica Sarkar, Senior Editor at CNN International in London, said: ‘This competition serves as a platform to foster significant dialogues and gain invaluable insights and perspectives from LSST students.’
Daniel Sleat, Senior Policy Advisor, Europe & Global Trends, at The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, added: ‘I’m really excited to be involved in the writing competition and look forward to reading all the great submissions. Writing clearly and impactfully is one of life’s most important skills, and I’m really glad to be part of this initiative to champion good writing.’
Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s Deputy CEO, who set up the competition’s prize fund, emphasised the significance of student self-development: ‘This competition is rooted in LSST’s commitment to nurturing student growth and development. It empowers students to express their views and helps them find their own voice and writing style.’
Participants are required to choose one of the following topics that encourage critical thinking and the ability to construct a logical opinion for non-specialist audiences:
1. How can governments create a positive legacy from the pandemic?
2. What are the opportunities and threats posed by AI technology such as ChatGPT?
3. If you were made Prime Minister of the United Kingdom what three things would you do to ensure the Government makes better use of technology?
4. Is the Metaverse a viable future for the internet?
To participate, LSST students must submit their interest to register from their LSST email account to kunal.mehta@lsst.ac by 3pm on Wednesday 21 June 2023. Those who register will receive a competition writing guide.
Articles should be between 1,000-1,500 words and must be original work that has not been previously published. The top 10 finalists will participate in a live video interview, from which the panellists will choose 3 winners.
The deadline for registered candidates is 3pm on Monday 24 July 2023.
For any queries or for further information please email kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.