The Harvard Undergraduate Research JournalSciencecompetition 2027
For Middle and High School Students
Step into:
This challenge is for you if you're interested in:
- You're interested in STEM
- You want to challenge yourself and compete globally
- You want to build a solid STEM profile
Summary
Online test with multiple choice and fill-in the blank questions
Present science solution through recorded video
Present science solution live on zoom
2-5 students from the same school
Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12)
Option to join World STEM League
About The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal
The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal (THURJ) is Harvard's sole peer-reviewed undergraduate research journal. Founded in 2007, THURJ strives to publicize and spread recognition of original work by undergraduates in Harvard's undergraduate programs. THURJ showcases peer-reviewed undergraduate student research from all research disciplines, including the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities.
About the World STEM League
The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal Science Competition is part of the World STEM League. In the League, students compete across multiple competitions throughout the League Year, allowing them to:
practice repeatedly
track their improvement over time
collaborate with teammates across competitions
This creates a cycle of growth: compete, learn, refine, and improve.
Distinguish Yourself at The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal Science Competition
Calling all aspiring scientists and engineers! Step into this global competition designed to push your knowledge, curiosity, and creativity to the next level. Begin by testing your skills in an online test, then advance to developing and presenting your own solution to a real-world problem through video and live presentations. Each stage is an opportunity to grow, think critically, and stand out.
Whether you go one round or all the way to the finals, you'll gain valuable experience applying STEM to meaningful challenges—so take the first step and rise to the challenge.
Why Join The Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal Science Competition?
Build a strong academic profile for university and internships
Work on challenges inspired by real global problems
Work alongside peers who are as driven and ambitious
How does the challenge work?
Team size
Team size: 2-5 students per team (all team members must be from the same school)
Age Categories
Grade: 6 - 8 (Year 7 - 9)
Grade 9 - 12 (Year 10 - 13)
Key dates and deadlines
Registration Deadlines and Participation Fees
Deadline: October 18, 2026
Fees: US$ 35/student
Deadline: January 18, 2027
Fees: US$ 45/student
Deadline: February 18, 2027
Fees: US$ 55/student
Competition format
Preliminary round: Test
The preliminary round is open to all registered teams worldwide
Asia Pacific: 12:00 noon Tokyo Time
Europe, Middle East, Africa: 9:00 AM London Time
North America, South America: 11:00 AM New York Time
1 hour
Format: Online test (multiple choice, fill in the blanks, and free-response questions)
Each team member will individually attempt the same set of test. The top two scores will be used to calculate the team’s total score
No deep knowledge of any particular subject required. The test will focus on general knowledge, real problems, and critical thinking.
Requires basic biology, chemistry, physics, and math knowledge to solve problems. The test will focus on critical thinking and real world applications.
Semi-final round: Video
The top 3 performing teams from each grade level in the preliminary round (21 teams in total) will be invited to compete in the global semi-final round
Semi-finalist teams will have one week to develop a solution to a science problem and present their work through a recorded 8-minute video.
Final round: Live Zoom presentation
The top 5 performing teams from the semi-final round in each of the Middle School and High School Categories will be invited to compete in the global final round
Finalist teams will have one week to refine and improve their solutions from the semi-final round based on judges’ feedback, and present their final solution to a judging panel composed of Harvard professors and industry experts
Recognition
All participants will receive a Certificate for participation
Preliminary Round
Honor
MeritSemi- Final Round
Semi Finalist
Individual CategoryTop participants will receive individual honors, even if their teams may not win any awards.
Team categoryTeams will be awarded based on the sum of their two highest individual scores.
Final Round
Global Champion
Global 1st Runner Up
Global 2nd Runner Up
Finalist
Join the Challenge
This competition is more than a contest; it’s a gateway to the world of STEM innovation. Register now to begin your journey into the exciting field of engineering, where you’ll apply creative problem-solving and technical skills to real-world challenges.
Fee Waiver Policy
A fee waiver is available for individual low-income students. To request one, please ask your school counselor or principal to email [email protected] from their official school email with the subject line "Fee Waiver Request." The email should include your email address and confirmation that you require a waiver.
All fee waivers must be requested before the regular deadline.
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