Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 2024

Research reimagining a world where disability is not a barrier.

Supported by The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University

What is the Inclusive Futures Writing Competition?

We are asking researchers to write about their research that contributes to an inclusive future for all. Entries must be written in easy-to-understand language and tell a compelling story about published or in-progress research that positively impacts the lives of people with disability.

Who can enter the competition?

The competition is open to individuals, not groups. To enter the competition, you must be a principal or associate investigator on the research you are writing about.

How do I enter the competition?

Register to enter the competition through the online entry form: https://forms.office.com/r/g3TEWh5frW.

Entries are to be submitted via email to: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

You will be required to provide:

• a photograph of yourself suitable for publication (headshot)
• a biography of 60 to 80 words
• a written piece about your research of 700 to 800 words, submitted as an Microsoft Word document
• a copyright-free image that complements your written piece (optional)
• some details about the research you are writing about e.g. ethics approval number, citation of a published article, funding acknowledgement, name of chief investigator–if this isn’t you.

What do I include in the written piece?

Your written piece should:

• explain your research (or a specific aspect of your research)
• describe how your research will impact the lives of people with disability and contribute to an inclusive future for all
• explain why readers should care about your research.

What writing style do I use?

• Using plain language, your piece should target a non-scientific audience.
• A narrative or storytelling style that engages readers is preferred.
• Avoid exaggeration and overreach. Be open, honest and realistic.
• For guidelines on the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) please refer to the Inclusive Futures Research Writing Competition 'Terms and Conditions'.

When does the competition close, and when will the winner be announced?

Entries open Wednesday 23 October and close on Friday 22 November.

The winning entry will be announced on International Day of People with Disability, Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

How will my entry be judged?

Members of a judging panel will independently score entries.

The panel will consider:

• Has the writer explained the research in a way that is easy to understand?
• Has the writer made a clear case for how the research positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities and contributes to an inclusive future for all?
• Does the writer explain why the reader should care about the research?
• Is the piece compelling to read?

The judges are:

• Person (expert by experience)
• Person (expert by experience)
• Person (writing/journalism background)
• Person (professional in the disability and rehabilitation area)

What is the prize?

All short-listed entries will be published in ‘Research for Inclusive Futures’, a digital compendium prepared and hosted by Inclusive Futures, Griffith University. The compendium will be freely available and widely shared.

The entry voted the best by the judging panel will receive an AUD$500 cash prize and acknowledgement as the ‘Judges Choice’.

Please read the Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents on our website for more detailed information.

If you have any questions, please email inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

More information

Find out more and access all supporting documents on our website or by scanning the QR code below.