“From the furthest reaches of the universe to the microscopic world of our genes, science offers writers the kind of scope other subjects simply can’ t match. Good writing about science can be moving, funny, exhilarating or poetic, but it will always be honest and rigorous about the research that underlies it.

“To recognise the best of the best, UNSW Press has established an annual prize for the best short non-fiction piece on science written for a general audience.

“First prize is $7000. Two runners-up will each receive a prize of $1500.

“All the shortlisted entries are included in The Best Australian Science Writing, NewSouth’s annual collection featuring the finest Australian science writing of the year.

“Authors must be permanent residents or citizens of Australia.”