The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation Launches Essay Contest

NEW YORK, June 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, a longtime advocate of medical research, today announced an essay contest in support of health research and medical science.

The contest seeks essays on innovative ways to build support and ensure funding for medical research and is open to U.S. medical school students and fellows; doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in biomedical research; graduate students in public health programs; or graduate students in other health professions programs. Through the contest the Foundation hopes to find creative ways to overcome a decade-long crisis in U.S. medical research funding.

The first place winner will receive $10,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to attend the prestigious 2014 Lasker Awards and meet this year's laureates on September 19.  Entries must be received no later than August 8 and will be judged by a committee of the Lasker Foundation's Board of Directors. A $5,000 and a $2,000 award will be given as second and third prizes.

For additional details and to enter, please visit www.laskerfoundation.org.

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation envisions a healthier world through medical research.  Our mission is to improve health by accelerating support for medical research through recognition of research excellence, public education and advocacy.  The Foundation's Awards Program honors the contributions of scientists, clinicians, and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of human disease.  Eighty-six Lasker laureates have received the Nobel Prize, including 47 in the last three decades.

SOURCE Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation