About the competition
The YRI Global Essay Competition 2027 (also called the YRI Global Research Proposal Competition) asks students to propose an original research project on any question they care about. It is free to enter and open worldwide.
Eligibility: students in grade 8 to grade 12, or the equivalent, anywhere in the world. Any subject is welcome: natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or work that crosses between them. Students under 18 give a parent or guardian name and email when they enter.
What to submit: one PDF research proposal in English, up to 1,000 words excluding references. It includes an abstract of up to 200 words, the research question, background from existing research, a proposed method and a feasibility plan. One entry per student. No group entries. The proposal must be the student's own work. AI-written text is not allowed and any meaningful AI use must be disclosed.
Timeline: entries are open now and close January 10, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners are notified by email and announced on the competition page.
Judging: academic evaluators read every proposal anonymously against six criteria: originality, quality of the research question, use of existing research, methodology, feasibility and clarity.
Prizes: first place wins a full scholarship to the YRI Fellowship, a 10-week research program with a 1:1 PhD mentor, valued at $2,997. Second and third place each win a 50% scholarship. Distinguished proposals receive a Distinguished Certificate. No purchase or enrollment is required to enter or win.
Eligibility: students in grade 8 to grade 12, or the equivalent, anywhere in the world. Any subject is welcome: natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or work that crosses between them. Students under 18 give a parent or guardian name and email when they enter.
What to submit: one PDF research proposal in English, up to 1,000 words excluding references. It includes an abstract of up to 200 words, the research question, background from existing research, a proposed method and a feasibility plan. One entry per student. No group entries. The proposal must be the student's own work. AI-written text is not allowed and any meaningful AI use must be disclosed.
Timeline: entries are open now and close January 10, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners are notified by email and announced on the competition page.
Judging: academic evaluators read every proposal anonymously against six criteria: originality, quality of the research question, use of existing research, methodology, feasibility and clarity.
Prizes: first place wins a full scholarship to the YRI Fellowship, a 10-week research program with a 1:1 PhD mentor, valued at $2,997. Second and third place each win a 50% scholarship. Distinguished proposals receive a Distinguished Certificate. No purchase or enrollment is required to enter or win.
Prize
Scholarship
1st place: full YRI Fellowship scholarship (valued at $2,997). 2nd and 3rd place: 50% scholarships. Distinguished Certificates for top proposals.
Deadline
January 10, 2027
in 2 months
Eligibility
High school Students
Open worldwide unless noted.
