Celia Mathews Elliott Prize for Writing in Science and Engineering

It’s time to submit your applications for the Celia Mathews Elliott Prize for Writing in Science and Engineering, our undergraduate writing contest. This contest is open to all students majoring or minoring in Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A wide variety of submission types will be accepted. Possibilities include:

• News-style article about a scientific result
• Essay on an issue within the physics community or science advocacy (e.g., improving equity and access, addressing climate change)
• Commentary on current science policy
• Personal essay on a physics student experience (e.g., getting involved in an RSO, attending a conference, working in a lab, applying to graduate school)

The deadline is April 27, 2026. Cash prizes will be awarded. 

You may direct questions about this contest to Jessica Raley at jlraley@illinois.edu.

Good Luck!

Jessica Raley