Frequently Asked Questions
Participating in the SSR Global Research Challenge offers a rare opportunity for young thinkers to step onto an international stage and transform their curiosity into impactful scholarship. By joining this competition, students gain a unique platform to voice their perspectives on the world’s societal shifts, developing critical thinking and high-level analytical skills that go far beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Beyond the pursuit of research excellence, participants stand to earn global recognition, build an impressive portfolio for future academic endeavors, and connect with a community of ambitious peers from around the world. It is more than just a contest; it is a definitive first step for the next generation of social scientists to influence the global conversation and prove that age is no barrier to meaningful intellectual contribution.
The challenge is open to all current secondary school students (age 11-18) around the world. We welcome students from diverse educational settings worldwide to contribute their unique perspectives to the challenge.
SSR is proud to offer fee-free entry for our research challenge. This reflects SSR’s commitment to equity. By removing financial barriers, we ensure that every researcher has the opportunity to showcase their talent based solely on merit and creativity. We believe that a truly inclusive environment is one where economic circumstances never limit a contributor’s voice.
Proposals must not exceed 2,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
No, these do not count towards the word limit.
You are not encouraged to include footnotes, but you should include in-text citations. You should give your sources of any factual claims you make, and you should acknowledge any other authors on whom you rely.
No. Each submitted proposal must be entirely the work of a single individual.
No. The use of AI tools for assistance in writing is strictly prohibited. Submissions found to have such content will be disqualified. Submissions must reflect the participant’s own ideas, analysis, and expression.
While participants may seek feedback or engage in discussion, the writing must be conducted entirely by the student. No joint or collaborative submission is permitted.
The Challenge accept two groups of submissions: the Junior Group is for age 11 – 13; the Senior group is for age 14 – 18.
Either is fine, but be consistent throughout.
Yes. All participants successfully submitted their entries will receive a digital certificate of participation issued by SSR.