Science in School Student Writing Contest 2026/2027: Complete Guide

Science in School Student Writing Contest 2026/2027: Complete Guide

Editorial overview

The Science in School Student Writing Contest is connected to a publication with a distinctive European scientific identity. Science in School is a non-profit journal published and funded by EIROforum, the collaboration of eight major intergovernmental research organisations including CERN, EMBL, ESA and ESO, and it is hosted by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg. The journal’s purpose is to help teachers connect classroom science with current research and real-world applications. The writing contest extends that mission by asking students to communicate science for an audience rather than merely display what they know.

For the 2026/2027 contest, students aged 14–19 are invited to write about sustainable and resilient tourism. They can submit an Understand article explaining a research project or technology, a Teach article built around a classroom activity, or an Inspire article about an educational or local initiative. The theme is broad, but the organisers specifically discourage general overviews. The strongest entries are expected to focus on one research project, intervention, technology or local solution and explain how it contributes to a larger sustainability problem.

This is also a genuine publishing experience. Three winning articles will be edited and published in Science in School’s first issue of 2027, potentially reaching thousands of educators. Students may work individually or in teams of up to five, and teachers or mentors may support the process while students remain lead authors. The competition explicitly values source evaluation, accurate explanation, audience awareness, revision and responsible AI disclosure, which makes it closer to science communication than to a conventional school essay.

We rate the Science in School Student Writing Contest at Advanced Level. The format is accessible and supportive, but the requirement to understand research, cite sources, communicate clearly and revise for publication creates a demanding multi-stage task. It is an excellent fit for students interested in science communication, biology, environmental science, engineering, journalism or any field where explaining technical ideas to non-specialists is part of the work.

What is the competition?

The contest asks students to write about science for an audience. This means the student needs accuracy and clarity. A good entry should not sound like a copied textbook section. It should help the reader understand something.

Science communication is a valuable skill because researchers, doctors, engineers and policy experts all need to explain ideas clearly.

Registration and official dates

Students should use the official Science in School page for the latest theme, eligibility, deadlines, word count and submission rules:

Check the official Science in School contest page

Information checked as of 28 May 2026. Competition dates, eligibility rules and submission instructions can change between cycles, so families should always confirm the latest details on the official website.

Who is it for?

This competition can suit students who:

• enjoy science but do not necessarily want a project fair
• like explaining ideas
• are interested in science journalism or communication
• want to connect STEM with writing
• may be considering medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology or environmental science

It may not suit students who only want problem-solving papers or dislike writing for a general audience.

What kind of entry works well?

A strong science writing entry usually:

• explains one clear idea
• uses accurate science
• avoids unnecessary jargon
• gives examples
• keeps the reader interested
• has a clear beginning, middle and end

The goal is not to prove how much the student knows. It is to help the reader understand.

How difficult is it?

I would classify this as intermediate, with advanced potential for very polished entries.

How to prepare

1. Choose a focused topic

Broad topics such as "space" or "cancer" are too large. A focused question or story works better.

2. Understand before writing

Students should be able to explain the science in plain language before drafting.

3. Write for the reader

Good science writing anticipates confusion. Students should define terms and use examples.

4. Check accuracy

Students should verify facts with reliable sources and avoid exaggeration.

Useful resources

• Science in School articles
• science museum and research institute explainers
• Royal Society, NASA, ESA, WHO or university outreach pages depending on topic
• books by strong science communicators
• teacher feedback on accuracy

Related competitions

Students who enjoy science writing may also consider project competitions such as SciFest Ireland or Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The difference is that project competitions ask students to investigate, while science writing competitions ask students to explain.

How parents can help

Parents can act as test readers. If the parent does not understand a paragraph, the student may need to simplify it.

Helpful questions include:

• What is the one idea you want readers to remember?
• Which terms need explanation?
• Where is the story or hook?
• Are your sources reliable?

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Choosing a topic that is too broad
✔ Focus on one clear idea.

❌ Using jargon to sound scientific
✔ Explain accurately in plain language.

❌ Copying source structure
✔ Build your own explanation.

❌ Forgetting the reader
✔ Write for someone who is curious but not expert.

Related competition on CompeteMap

You can check our competition record here: Science in School Student Writing Contest 2026/2027.

Related reading

• Science Fair vs Olympiad
• What Is a Project-Based Competition?
• How to Build a Competition Portfolio for University

Key Takeaways

Science in School Student Writing Contest 2026/2027 is best understood as an advanced-level opportunity with advanced skill demand, a competition-specific entry route and substantial preparation. This is a STEM writing competition, not a lab project. It suits students who enjoy science and communication. Students should choose a narrow topic and explain it clearly. It can support science, medicine, journalism or communication pathways. Parents can help by acting as non-expert test readers.

Final thoughts

The Science in School Student Writing Contest is valuable because it rewards a skill many students overlook: explaining science clearly.

For the right student, that skill can become just as important as solving problems or conducting experiments.