
Inspiring the Next Generation of Global Researchers.
The COBIS Research Skills Competition 2026 brought together talented secondary school students from around the world to take part in a rigorous and rewarding academic challenge designed to develop university‑level research skills.
Delivered online and run in partnership with GEC Academy, the competition invited students aged 14–18 to explore a topic of personal academic interest and submit an original research proposal for expert review and judging.
Competition Overview
Participants engaged in a structured research skills programme that introduced key elements of academic inquiry, including:
- Formulating research questions
- Designing robust methodologies
- Applying critical thinking and analytical skills
- Communicating ideas clearly and academically
Students were free to choose topics across a wide range of disciplines, including STEM subjects, humanities, social sciences, business, sustainability, the arts, and more, creating a vibrant and intellectually diverse cohort of entries.
This brand new competition attracted 70 student submissions from COBIS member schools worldwide, highlighting both the global reach of COBIS and the growing enthusiasm for research‑based learning among young people.
The overall standard was exceptionally high, with many proposals demonstrating impressive theoretical depth, thoughtful methodology, and genuine intellectual curiosity.
Celebrating the 2026 Winners!
