The Student Voice Prize

SVP23 is now CLOSED for entries

Here’s how it works:

In 1,500 words or less, please answer one of the three essay questions provided below.

You can enter only one essay, so choose wisely!

We ask that you kindly submit your essay through the entry form below before 12:00 pm GMT on 15th November 2023 when the competition closes.

View the entry form and full submission details below to learn more.

Check out our questions for 2023!

Question 1

Many people with long term conditions are exposed to considerable uncertainty. For those living with rare conditions, this can be amplified due to the lack of information, services and management.

Using a case study, explore how uncertainty can impact people living with rare disease and their families. Consider the psychological, emotional, and practical effects of effective and ineffective medical communication around uncertainty and health.

Question 2

Many rare conditions are multi-system complex conditions with a genetic basis. They are challenging to understand and explain, and yet those affected by rare disease often have to become disease experts, fluent in medical language.

What are the major sources of information and knowledge available to people living with rare and genetic conditions? Use examples to explore the role that medical professionals can play in helping patients understand their condition.

Question 3

Carrying out clinical research about specific rare disease can be challenging due to the small participant population available. However, research is an important part of rare disease management as it provides hope for better outcomes in the future.

Explore how people may be marginalised from taking part in research based on the language and format that is used in the recruitment of participants. Discuss how the lack of inclusivity in recruitment efforts hinders the representative participation of people in research. How does this exclusion perpetuate health inequity in the context of rare disease?

Before submitting your essay please ensure you have read the competition’s rules and regulations!

Read the rules and regulations

Don’t miss your chance to be paired with a patient!

**Please note, the patient pairing scheme is now closed for patients and students, but you can still enter the competition without it!**

Don’t forget you also have the opportunity to take part in our Patient Group Pairing Scheme! This gives you the chance to speak to a rare disease patient group to learn first-hand about their condition and patient experience.

The insights gained during the conversation should be used to inform and enhance your essay. Learn more about the Patient Group Pairing Scheme!

Find out more about patient pairing

Who can enter?

The Student Voice Prize is primarily aimed at medical students, but anyone studying medical and biological sciences is able to enter the competition.

It is an international competition so wherever you are in the world you can submit an essay, however, all submissions have to be written in English.

You can submit an essay if you are studying any of the following: