The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights (UICHR) sponsors the annual Burns H. Weston International Human Rights Essay Prize, which honors the work of UI students and the lifetime work of Professor Burns H. Weston of the College of Law.

Each year, two awards are made: one to an undergraduate student and another to a graduate or professional student. The winners receive $750 (undergraduate) or $1000 (graduate or professional student), and are recognized at an awards event.

The writing competition is open to all students enrolled during the 2012-13 school year at the UI, Iowa State, or the University of Northern Iowa in any academic discipline. Undergraduate essays should be 15 to 20 pages in length; graduate essays 25 to 40 pages in length. Essays can discuss current events or history, law, public policy, or the arts and humanities. The essay does not need to be produced exclusively for the competition in order to qualify for review; the essay can be a paper written for a class. The only requirement is that the essays address issues of international human rights.

The deadline for the 2013 Weston Essay Prize competition is Dec. 13. Those interested should bring essays to the UI Center for Human Rights office in 1120 University Capitol Centre or mail to UICHR, 1120 UCC, 201 South Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52242.