CfE - Holdstock-Piachaud Student Essay Prize 2017

This is the ninth year of the Holdstock-Piachaud Essay Prize, set up to encourage students to explore the themes covered by the journal Medicine, Conflict and Survival, and in memory of Douglas Holdstock and Jack Piachaud who were for many years inspirational editors of the Journal.

We are keen to publish essays that explore insights, concerns and original perspectives on issues relevant for the aims of the journal Medicine, Conflict and Survival, from students who will be shaping the future. Whichever title you choose to tackle we encourage you to base your argument on relevant literature and to develop it drawing on your own relevant experience and reflections.

Here are the titles for the for the 2018-2019 Holdstock-Piachaud student essay prize:

Ø  Peace and armed conflict can be thought of as two sides of the same coin; is it time for researchers to focus more on what can bring about peace and less on the impact of armed conflict?

Ø  Accurate health information and data is crucial for responding to humanitarian crises caused by armed conflict; is social media helping or hindering its availability and accuracy?

Ø  2017 saw 122 countries – but none of the nuclear-weapons states - support a Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Why is disarmament so difficult and what should be the next steps for those aiming for prohibition.

Ø  Artificial intelligence is dangerous for world peace. Please give your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with this statement, and whether you think artificial intelligence should be regulated in the future.

Ø  Inequalities of all types are exacerbated by conflict. Please agree or disagree with this statement using examples from past and recent conflicts. Do you think acting to reduce inequalities can help bring about peace?

Competition details:

• The closing date for entries is 17.00 on 31 January 2019.
• The competition is open to all students, including those completing their studies in 2017. 
• The word limit is 2500.  
• The essay should be fully referenced.
• Entries must not have been previously published elsewhere.
• The entries will be judged by members of the MCS editorial board and the Medact board. 
• The winning entries may be selected by the editors for publication in MCS.
• First prize: £500, three second prizes: £300; winners will also receive a year’s subscription to MCS.
• E-mail your entry with a completed entry form (see below) to: MCS.Prize@googlemail.com

For DETAILS AND APPLICATION FORM and for any queries, please contact MCS.Prize@googlemail.com

Medicine, Conflict and Survival is an international journal for all those interested in the health aspects of violence and human rights. Founded in 1985 it is a designated journal of IPPNW and its UK affiliate, MEDACT. Published quarterly by Taylor and Francis / Routledge, the Journal plays an important role in debates around health, peace and violence.

Medicine, Conflict and Survival covers:

•    The causes and consequences of war and group violence. 

•    The health and environmental effects of war and preparations for war, especially from 

      nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction. 

•    The influence of war and preparations for war on health and welfare services and the

      distribution of global resources. 

•    The abuse of human rights, its occurrence, causes and consequences. 

•    The ethical responsibility of health professionals in relation to war, social violence and

      human rights abuses. 

•    Non-violent methods of conflict resolution. 

•    Medical and humanitarian aid in conflict situations. 

•    Relationships between the environment, development and global security. 

•    The roles and responsibilities of governments and of international governance in

      reducing the risk of violent conflict.