Science Idol: The Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest

    Editorial Cartoons Can Be Funny. Political Interference in Science Is Not.

Recent investigations and surveys show that the censorship, manipulation, and suppression of federal government science has become pervasive in recent years. Political interference in science has hurt our air quality, allowed FDA approval of harmful drugs, and prevented the public from hearing the truth about global warming.

This spring, creative minds throughout America will have the opportunity to show off their artistic and comedic talents in support of independent science by entering the 2nd annual Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest.

This is Science Idol!
We’re looking for your creative take on the issue of political interference in science. Submit one-panel or multi-panel print cartoons that address the misuse of science on a specific issue or in general. But before you put pen to paper, please check out the contest guidelines to make sure you're on the right track.

Meet Your Celebrity Judges
We’re pleased to announce our judges for this competition—talented, award-winning cartoonists who will choose the top 12 finalists. Our celebrity judges are:

Dave Coverly—Creator of the syndicated cartoon Speed Bump
James McLeod—Last year's Science Idol winner
Tom Toles—Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist for the Washington Post
Garry Trudeau—Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the syndicated cartoon Doonesbury

Grand Prize:
An all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the UCS offices and have lunch with Washington Post editorial cartoonist Tom Toles, plus:
$500 cash
Cartoon printed in UCS publications and displayed on the UCS website
Cartoon featured on the cover of the 2008 Scientific Integrity calendar
Fifty copies of the 2008 calendar, including one signed by all contest judges
Priceless promotion by the Union of Concerned Scientists 12 finalists will receive:
Entry printed in the 2008 Scientific Integrity calendar
Entry promoted on the UCS website and to the press
Ten copies of the 2008 calendar, including one signed by all contest judges
Priceless promotion by the Union of Concerned Scientists

Content Guidelines and Submission Form

2007 Official Contest Rules

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