With almost 180 submissions from 22 countries, 2023 was another great year for our DNA Day Essay and Video contest. The “top five” participating countries were Turkey, United Kingdom, Albania, Italy, and France. The number of submissions has grown from about 90 in the first year the event was held. For the 16th year, the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) will be sponsoring a DNA Day Essay contest in European high schools as part of International DNA Day activities.

Given the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence on our lives, the Education Committee has decided to make A.I. part of the contest instead of banning it. This year’s question is:

'Ask an Artificial Intelligence chat of your choice to write a 350 word essay on the topic: “Is the human Y-chromosome vanishing in the future?” In a 750 word essay of your own, discuss the result and its consequences, should the public believe the content of the A.I. essay was actually true.'

More information: DNA Day website (www.dnaday.eu)

Finally, we are looking for a number of judges volunteering to evaluate the submissions. Judging will be made between May 1 and May 20 and is great fun! Please let us know if you would like to contribute as a judge, your help would be greatly appreciated.