Development Dialogues Blog Competition: Talking Science

CGIAR will be holding the CGIAR Development Dialogues (#CGIAR_DD) in New York, 25 Sept., with debates among leading scientists, Heads of State, prominent private sector players, philanthropic organizations, and prestigious academic organizations to focus global attention on the vital role of agriculture in achieving sustainable development.

The “Talking Science” blog competition is platform for scientists from CGIAR centers and research programs, and all their partners, to showcase their projects and prove the direct relevance of their research for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

General Call for Submissions:

The blog competition is open to research staff from CGIAR centers and CRPs.  Partners of the CGIAR are also invited to participate as long as their blog post highlights work/projects done in partnership with CGIAR.  More information can be found on the CGIAR Development Dialogues website.

The goal of the competition is to provide a space for researchers to share how their work has influenced the MDGs and/or will influence the SDGs.  All blog posts will be highlighted in the campaigns leading up to the development dialogues (submissions accepted until September 15th, winners announced September 25th). 

Posts must address the following statement: 

"Highlight your research, and why or how is it important (or how does it help) in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.", showing how we use science to solve development challenges.  We encourage blogposts to practically illustrate the relevance of the research, possibly with real impact (field) examples.

The prizes:

• The winner will receive a GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition waterproof video/still camera (Value: US$600)

• Winning blog posts will be pitched to top news sources like Huffington Post, New York Times and the Guardian’s Poverty Matters blog

• CGIAR will publish a profile feature of the winning researchers/authors on cgiar.org

• Winners will be publicly announced at the Development Dialogues meeting (Sept 25 in NYC)

• Centers/CRPs/Partners are encouraged to introduce additional incentives 

Terms and conditions:

A full list of terms and conditions are posted here. Please note:

• Language: English

• Eligible Authors: research staff of CGIAR centers/CRPs as well as scientists and practitioners from CGIAr partners. Editorial assistance may be given by communications staff.

• Submissions: you may submit multiple blog posts, send submissions to p.casier@cgiar.org

• Length: 800 words maximum

• Photos: 1-2 photos must be submitted with blog along with caption and credit. Picture must be taken by author or CGIAR center/CRP

Need guidance? Here are some guidelines on how to write a blog post.

Final blog posts can be submitted to Peter Casier (p.casier@cgiar.org).  Submissions will be accepted until September 15th.