About the prize
The Holdstock-Piachaud Essay Prize was set up to encourage students to explore the themes covered by the journal Medicine, Conflict and Survival, in memory of Douglas Holdstock and Jack Piachaud who were for many years inspirational editors of the Journal. We are keen to receive essays that explore insights, concerns and original perspectives on issues relevant to the aims of the journal, 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 experience and reflections.
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.
The Holdstock-Piachaud Prize is made possible through the generosity of the Lionel Penrose Trust.
Titles for 2023 Holdstock-Piachaud Student Essay Prize
What are the roles for health professionals in addressing the rising threat of the use of nuclear weapons?
How effective have health and humanitarian actors been in their responses to the war in Ukraine? What more could be done?
How can healthcare systems become more resilient to the impacts of climate change?
What are the obstacles to effective international cooperation to reduce the global burden of NCDs? How can they be overcome?
Competition details
Entries close at 17.00 on 28 February 2023.
The competition is open to all students, including those completing their studies in 2022.
The word limit is 2500 and essays should be submitted in Word.
The essay should be fully referenced, using the Chicago Author-Date system.
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: [email protected]
For an APPLICATION FORM and for any queries, please contact: [email protected]