Research Skills Competition
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!
More Information
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Testimonials
Testimonials:
"The COBIS GECS research competition was an exciting way to explore real-world issues. Preparing for it helped me grow in research, teamwork, and presentation skills, and I enjoyed finding creative solutions to global challenges. I learned how to use evidence to support my ideas and gained confidence when sharing them with others. Meeting students from different schools who also care about sustainability made the experience even more inspiring. Overall, it was a fun and valuable opportunity that improved my skills and motivated me to keep learning about how research can help solve problems in our world. Thank you!"
Ethan, Nigeria
"Research was always something that I was keen on doing, as it prepares me for an essential part of university. I was always intimidated of it, but this competition allowed me to gain research skills, and be more comfortable with research. Content was thorough and of a high-level as well."
Joel, India
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We are delighted to bring you our Research Skills Competition in partnership with GEC Academy, supported by Laser Awards.
Founded by scholars from world-leading universities, GEC Academy is a leading international education organisation dedicated to cultivating global talent through research-based learning. Since 2016, GEC has collaborated with over 1,100 academics—including four Nobel laureates—from QS Top 50 universities to deliver more than 800 research courses across 15 disciplines and related fields, serving over 23,000 students worldwide.
As a pioneer in online research education, GEC integrates global resources to foster innovation and academic excellence, equipping students with essential university-level research skills. In collaboration with the University of Cambridge DEFI Centre, LASER Award, and other UK institutions, GEC designs cutting-edge, project-based learning programmes tailored for the AI generation. GEC’s programmes are also listed among UCAS extra activity providers, carrying 8 UCAS Tariff Points under the Level 3 Qualification in Research Skills.
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