Cubist & Cambridge Science Festival Launch "Germ Challenge" Science Contest

LEXINGTON, Mass. & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cambridge Science Festival and Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CBST today launched the 2014 “Germ Challenge,” a contest designed to engage young people in science by inviting them to create educational and creative videos that demonstrate their knowledge of germs and their ability to communicate scientific concepts in a way that appeals to a young audience. Through this contest, students will help teach other students about different kinds of germs, including bacteria.

To enter the Germ Challenge, participants must be 15-20 years old and create a 30 second to five minute video answering the question: “What is a Germ?”. Video submissions are due March 28, 2014. Entries will be judged on their scientific accuracy, as well as whether they are thorough, creative, engaging and fun.

Videos will be evaluated first by a panel of Cubist scientists for accuracy, and then judged by local fifth graders who will determine the winners. Two winning entries will be selected. A prize will be awarded to a winning individual and a team entry. In addition, the winners will have the opportunity to present their videos during the Cambridge Science Festival, which runs from April 18-27, 2014.

To learn more about the Challenge and to submit videos, please visit http://www.cambridgesciencefestival.org/2014Festival/TheGermChallenge.aspx.

Mike Bonney, Chief Executive Officer of Cubist, said, “We are proud to collaborate with the Cambridge Science Festival on this year's Germ Challenge. Students teaching students is very powerful and this contest is an exciting way to engage young people in science and technology by making it fun, accessible and easy to understand. Cubist is committed to supporting the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and our employees play an important role in helping to bring science to life for young people. Enthusiasm for STEM is critical as we look to build a diverse pipeline of talent needed to tackle important global challenges, including developing new medicines for patients. ”

P. A. d'Arbeloff, Director of Cambridge Science Festival and Science on the Street, said, “The Germ Challenge represents the hallmark of the Festival's mission, which is to make science fun while at the same time highlighting the impact it has on our lives. Students will learn how to describe something prevalent like germs in a way that budding young scientists can understand. We are pleased to collaborate with Cubist, the global leader in antibiotics research and development, on this program.”

About Cubist

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products that address significant unmet medical needs in the acute care environment. Cubist is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, with a central international office located in Zurich, Switzerland. Additional information can be found at Cubist's web site at www.cubist.com. Also, connect with Cubist on Twitter @cubistbiopharma and @cubistcareers, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

About Cambridge Science Festival

The Cambridge Science Festival is a celebration showcasing the leading edge in STEM. A multifaceted, multicultural event every spring, the festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, while highlighting the impact of science on all our lives. Additional information can be found at http://www.cambridgesciencefestival.org.