Short Story Competition Tobe Held to Introduce Medicinal Plants to Students

The Student Club of Medicinal Plants and Iranian Medicine will hold a short story competition for students, with the support of National Council for Science and Technology Development of Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology. The aim of this competition is to educate students in the field of medicinal plants.

Regarding the competition, Nasrin Zeelouie, head of Student Club of Medicinal Plants and Iranian Medicine and Senior expert of Iranian Herbal Medical Society said, “Students have always been active in medicinal plants, natural-based products and Iranian medicine festivals. The high number of scientific works sent by students to this festival in the recent years as well as the enthusiasm of the participating students in conducting research in the field of medicinal plants all led us to establish a base to support student research in this field.”

She went on to say, “On one hand, Iran’s medicinal plants play a special role in helping to be medicinally self-sufficient, economically developed, providing employment and maintaining genetic resources of this country. Therefore, it is of great importance to help acquire the culture as well as educate and introduce  medicinal plants and their applications to students, as they are the ones who build the future. For this reason, Student Club of Medicinal Plants and Iranian Medicine was established last year by Iranian Herbal Medical Society and sponsored by National Council for Science and Technology Development of Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology. One of its main purposes is to support and lead young researchers of medicinal plants.”

Zeelouei further noted, “One of the educational and promotive activities of this club is the short story contest with the two topics of ‘introducing a medicinal plant in the student’s birthplace or that of their parents’ as well as ‘introducing a medicinal plant’s application in the student’s birthplace or that of their parents’. In spring, due to Nowrouz holidays, students will have more opportunities to spend time in the beautiful nature of their or their parents’ birthplace. The Student Club has used this to help students get familiar with the native plants and their applications in different regions by encouraging students of all grades to write short stories.”

Regarding the conditions to attend the competition, she said, “Taking part in the contest is quite simple, parents can easily introduce the native medicinal plant, its application and properties to their children, while they are spending time in nature. Moreover, teachers and instructors can dedicate some time of the class to introducing wild medicinal plants of the spring and mention their properties and applications. Later, students can turn their findings in to writings and short stories and participate in the short story competition of the Student Club. In this contest, apart from the students, active teachers and parents will also be honored.”

Students can send their writings before April 30, and the winners will get their awards in the students’ scientific assembly in June. Also, for more information, please visit the website of Iranian Herbal Medical Society.