STEM Next Essay Competition 2024 has officially launched!
About STEM Next
This essay competition has no subject pre-requisites and is not purely STEM based. Students of various interests are more than welcome to take part! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn transferable skills that you can utilize in your future studies and careers, e.g. research, critical analysis, communication.
There are 3 potential essay categories to choose and within each category there are a diverse range of potential essay questions, with something to suit every interest! This is a solo project that requires independent research and writing. However, we encourage that participants get feedback from their peers or teachers before the final submission.
Available categories:
View all available essay topics here.
1) Energy In Action (Download Information Booklet)
2) Medicine & Life Sciences (Download Information Booklet)
3) Chemistry & Biological Sciences (Download Information Booklet)
Taking part in STEM Next competition is a brilliant opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application. In addition, participating students are eligible for CREST Awards. Additional prizes: 1st place winners in each category will be awarded with £200 of Amazon vouchers, 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded with £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd places winners in each category will be awarded with £50 of Amazon vouchers. Please note Amazon vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash or alternative prize.
IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline to register interest – 21st June, 2024 - now closed.
Deadline for essay submission – 30th August, 2024
(don’t forget to submit the cover sheet, which will be provided in due course)
Winning essays announced – November 2024
Interested in volunteering for STEM Next?
If you work, have worked in any of the following industries or have great knowledge about any of the following areas: Energy, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Space Science or Biological Sciences industries, and would like to be interviewed by a student for their essay about the topics around these industries, please click below to register.
Interested in supporting STEM Next?
Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to invest in the future of our local community, directly benefiting hundreds of young people throughout the area and beyond.
Please click here for information on how you can sponsor this project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start writing my essay? The essay questions can be found in the Information sheets above. You must pick one of the provided topics. You can start writing your essay whenever you like, but the starter pack (including guide to get started, guide to referencing, guide on essay writing, etc,) will be sent after project launch.
What if I don’t know a person to interview? That is no problem; we will provide a database of volunteers who are willing to be interviewed on the essay topics. You can also interview a person that you know personally that will benefit your essay.
I don’t live in the UK, can I enter this competition? Yes, this competition is open to international applicants, however it must be written in English. Additionally the prize of amazon vouchers cannot be exchanged for an alternative.
I am unsure of how to get started! Once the project launches, all the support materials will be available to you which will include guides and videos on interviews, referencing and how to get started.
When is the deadline to submit my essay? The deadline to submit your essay is 30th August, 2024. You are required to submit a cover sheet as well, which will be provided in due course.
If your query is not answered above, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Watch STEM Next 2023 Final Celebration
Watch student testimonials from previous competitions to learn more about STEM Next:
A massive thank you to project sponsors and supporters.
