The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) will be sending out electronic Christmas cards this year and that card could be carrying your picture. STFC would like designs from UK students from the age groups of 11-14 years (Key Stage 3/Scottish P7-S2) and 14-16 years (Key Stage 4/Scottish S2-S4). The deadline for entries is the 17th November 2008.

There are prizes for winners and runners-up in both categories: the winners will receive an iPod Shuffle but they will also get an all expenses paid trip to STFC's telescopes on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands for themselves, a friend and an accompanying adult. Runners-up will win an iPod Shuffle, £50 of book vouchers for their school and an expenses paid trip for themselves, a friend and an accompanying adult, to one of STFC's UK research laboratories.

The design for the Christmas card must be of a Christmas or winter design with a scientific flavour, ideally reflecting STFC science and technology. The designs can be hand drawn or designed and submitted electronically. Of course, with the Liverpool Telescope being one of the many facilities supported by the STFC, you may wish to include one of your images of a galaxy, nebula, planet or even the Moon. If you do, then please give the NSO a mention.

STFC is one of Europe's largest multi-disciplinary research organisations, supporting scientists and engineers world-wide. The Council operates world class, large scale research facilities at sites around the UK and funds the UK contribution to international research partnerships including the European Space Agency, European Southern Observatory and CERN. STFC grant funds research into astronomy, space science, particle physics and nuclear physics.