High School Academic Research Competition (SARC)

A global online research proposal competition for high school students aged 13–18. Students choose their own research topic, participate in research bootcamps, and develop an individual 1–2-page research proposal. The top 50 proposals advance to the final round, where students submit a 1.5–3.5-minute video pitch. Topics are not restricted to STEM and may include social sciences, politics, economics, arts, history and other fields.

International competition with students from 50+ countries; research bootcamps and webinars; opportunity to develop and present an original research idea; cash prizes of up to $1,000; publication of winning research on the SARC website; potential free or discounted participation in the Indigo Research Summer Program.

Age: 13–18. Some Grade 9 students under 13 and recent high-school graduates on a gap year who have not started university may also participate. Individual entries only; group submissions are not accepted. Applicants complete registration and an Assessment Form and submit a 1–2-page research proposal. The top 50 finalists must submit a 1.5–3.5-minute video pitch. No prior research experience is required. Students may choose almost any research topic.