📌About the Event

The IYNA–INS Neuroethics Essay Contest 2026 is an international writing and video competition that invites students and early-career trainees to examine important questions at the intersection of neuroscience, ethics, society, and law. Now in its 13th edition, the contest encourages young scholars worldwide to present original arguments and creative perspectives on topics such as brain-computer interfaces, neurotechnology, mental health ethics, neurogenetics, artificial intelligence, neuroenhancement, and neurolaw.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Level: International competition.
• Participation type: Individual participation only.
• Theme: A focused problem at the intersection of brain or mind sciences, ethics, society, and law.
• Submission categories:
  • IYNA–INS High School Neuroethics Essay
  • General Audience Essay
  • Academic Essay
  • Video Essay
• Submission method: Entries must be uploaded through the official online submission form.
• Membership requirement: Participants do not need to be members of IYNA or INS.
• Number of authors: Every essay or video must be created by a single author.

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📅 Important Dates

• Final submission deadline: August 21, 2026, at 11:30 PM PDT.
• Deadline in Indian Standard Time: August 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM IST.

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Who can participate:
  • The contest is open to participants from all countries.
  • Eligible applicants include:
    • High school or secondary school students
    • Undergraduate students
    • Postgraduate students
    • Professional-degree students
    • Postdoctoral fellows
    • Medical residents and fellows
    • Research assistants and post-baccalaureate trainees
  • Judicial law clerks and articled law students
  • Contract or sessional lecturers in their first or second year after graduate training
  • Students on a gap year or temporary academic break may participate.
• Open to post-secondary students and eligible early-career trainees.
• The writing should resemble an accessible magazine, newspaper, or general-interest article.
• Maximum length: 1,000 words.
• References and disclosures are excluded from the word count.
• The entry must be written in English.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• A total of four winning entries will be selected, with one winner from each category.
• Category winners can receive a cash prize of up to $500 USD.
• Up to eight honourable mentions may be selected across the four categories.
• Honourable mention recipients will receive a smaller cash prize; the exact amount has not been specified.
• Every winner and honourable mention recipient will receive a free one-year membership to the International Neuroethics Society.
• Winning and honourable mention entries will be published on the official contest website.
• Selected entries may also be considered for publication by other suitable organisations or publications.
• High School category participants may choose to have their essays considered for publication in the IYNA Journal.