Eligibility and what counts as research
Who can enter
Students in UK secondary education; all entrants may enter through a school group, or email nsrcteam@gmail.com if requesting an individual route.
What qualifies
A completed piece of original research with a defined question, method, evidence, analysis, conclusions and an honest account of limitations.
What does not qualify
A standard class project, an unfinished proposal or a literature review with no original analytical contribution.
Disciplines
Sciences, mathematics, computing, engineering, social sciences and humanities are all welcome.
How to submit
Entries come through your teacher. Once they have created an NSRC account and been verified, they enter you and submit your work on your behalf.
Each submission carries an abstract, a short research summary, a statement of individual contribution, and declarations covering sources, ethics where required, and AI use. PDF is the preferred file format.
Sign up →
Selection and judging
Acceptance determines who presents at the conference. Submissions are prepared for blind review so judges assess the work rather than the school letterhead. The rubric will be published with the call for submissions.
Conference schedule
- am01Arrival & registrationSchools arrive together; pupils check in and collect the running order.
- 02Opening keynoteThe conference begins with an address from a leading researcher.
- 03Viva examinationsAll participants gather in the main hall before being called individually to defend their work before academics in their field. Each pupil receives written assessment.
- Lunch
- pm04Finalist presentationsEight finalists present their research to the full conference.
- 05Closing keynoteA second leading researcher addresses the conference.
- 06Awards & closePrizes and commendations are presented, followed by the formal close of the conference.
Exact times tbc.
Cost and bursaries
Entry is free. Travel bursaries are intended to reduce barriers for students travelling from outside London or from schools with limited funds. Request a travel bursary from the teacher portal.
Safeguarding and logistics
School groups attend with a supervising teacher. The teachers and guardians of successful applicants will be notified about parental consent, arrival and departure procedures, pupil supervision, emergency contacts, accessibility arrangements and the host-approved risk assessment.
Academic integrity and AI policy
Submitted work must be the student’s own. Any AI use within the research, analysis or writing must be declared clearly. The judging panel may be supported by an AI pre-read for context and consistency; all assessment, questioning and decisions are made by academic judges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter without a teacher sponsor?
Please email nsrcteam@gmail.com with enquiries regarding individual entry.
Does a literature review count?
Not by itself. The work must include an original analytical contribution, method or argument beyond summarising existing sources.
How many pupils can a school bring?
There is no limit on how many pupils a school can enter.
Do attendees stay for the full day?
Yes. The viva, publication teaching, conference floor and finalist programme form one connected academic experience.
How do I request travel support?
Applications for travel support can be found within the teacher portal.
Who should I contact?
Email nsrcteam@gmail.com for questions not answered here.
