PhD, Yale University
About The Essay Prize
Overview
Horizon Academic began in 2016 to enable the world's most ambitious high school students to do their best work. The Horizon Academic Research Program has since then worked with more than 1000 brilliant young researchers. We now want to celebrate outstanding writers and critical thinkers.
The objective of the Horizon Academic Essay Prize is to push young students to critically engage with the world around them. We expect participants to dive deep into their chosen questions - showcase independent thought, clear argumentation, and rigorous analysis.
The objective of the Horizon Academic Essay Prize is to push young students to critically engage with the world around them. We expect participants to dive deep into their chosen questions - showcase independent thought, clear argumentation, and rigorous analysis.
All essay entries are judged by our Academic Advisory Board, a panel of distinguished professors and scholars leading global universities. 3 winners will receive cash prizes of up to $ 1000, and an additional 10 honorary mentions will be awarded scholarships to the Horizon Academic Research Program.
The competition is open and free for all current high schoolers interested across subjects. Through this essay prize, Horizon Academic aims to elevate student scholarship and foster critical dialogue on the ideas shaping our collective future. This year’s theme challenges students to explore and question the limits of what we know—and how we know it.
2025 Judging Panel
Dr. James Sundiquist
Senior Lecturer, Yale University
Dr. Sundquist is a Senior Lecturer in the Jackson School of Global Affairs at Yale University, where he teaches courses on international security and China's sovereign lending. His research focuses on China's relations with the developing world, particularly the politics of sovereign borrowing and perceptions of China as expressed in elite print media. In addition to his academic work, he regularly provides analysis to the US Department of Defense.
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Dr. Maria Konte
Research Scientist, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Maria Konte is a Research Scientist at Georgia Tech's School of Computer Science and its Institute for Information Security & Privacy. Her research combines network security, traffic analytics, and machine learning to develop tools and methodologies for improving network security. Her work on network reputation as a defense against cybercriminal infrastructures has been featured at ACM SIGCOMM15 and NANOG62 Research Track.
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Dr. Karly Drabot
Lecturer, Cambridge Judge Business School
Dr. Drabot is a Gates Cambridge Scholar and teaches on undergraduate courses in the Department of Psychology and Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. Broadly, she is interested in psychological, behavioural, and systems change and how this can inform our collective knowledge as a species.
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Dr. Ryan Prestil
Senior Scientist, Revvity
Dr. Prestil is a Senior Scientist at Revvity, Inc., where he is developing CRISPR gene editing technologies to enable novel cell and gene therapies. He completed his PhD in Medical Genetics at the University of Cambridge, focusing on how disrupted protein degradation leads to neurodegenerative diseases and how researchers can use gene-edited human stem cells to learn how these diseases manifest at the molecular and cellular levels.
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2025 Essay Theme
This year’s theme urges students to think about the Horizons of Knowledge. We want to hear from young minds on topics and questions that explore the limits of human understanding and discovery.
Participants are free to engage with any of these 3 questions:
• In an increasingly AI-driven world, how is our ability to think for ourselves changing?
• In today's digital age, is privacy still a relevant concern?
• Should governments regulate what is shared on social media to prevent the spread of fake news?
Eligibility
The competition is open to all students from any country who will be enrolled in high school (as of July 13, 2025). The essays must be in English and not exceed 1000 words.
Current scholars or alums of the Horizon Academic Research Programs are welcome to apply, but may not use their Horizon thesis work.
Key Dates
Submissions Close
July 13, 2025
Shortlist Notified
August 1, 2025
Winners Announced
August 26, 2025
Evaluation Criteria
At Horizon, essays are judged using a proprietary grading system developed to reward depth, originality, and intellectual rigor. Each entry is reviewed by multiple qualified judges in a double-blind manner, and top-scoring essays may be selected for additional review by the full judging panel. In some cases, essayists may be invited to discuss their entry with a member of Horizon’s academic faculty.
We employ a range of tools to detect plagiarism, contract cheating, use of AI, and other forms of academic dishonesty. Any suspected violations are taken extremely seriously, and Horizon reserves the right to disqualify submissions at its sole discretion. All determinations in such matters are final.
The strongest essays are those that demonstrate genuine intellectual independence and persuasive power — writing that is not only well-argued, but capable of changing a thoughtful reader’s mind.
We employ a range of tools to detect plagiarism, contract cheating, use of AI, and other forms of academic dishonesty. Any suspected violations are taken extremely seriously, and Horizon reserves the right to disqualify submissions at its sole discretion. All determinations in such matters are final.
The strongest essays are those that demonstrate genuine intellectual independence and persuasive power — writing that is not only well-argued, but capable of changing a thoughtful reader’s mind.
Submissions that ignore key objections or fail to engage meaningfully with opposing perspectives are unlikely to be successful.
Originality & Creativity
The essay should demonstrate a distinctive perspective and innovative thinking, offering fresh insights or approaches to the topic.
Analysis & Critical Thinking
Submissions should reflect a thorough understanding of the subject matter, supported by well-reasoned arguments and critical evaluation.
Use of Evidence & Research
Arguments must be substantiated with relevant and credible evidence, indicating careful research and effective integration of sources.
Clarity, Structure, & Coherence
The essay should exhibit logical organization, with a clear progression of ideas and seamless transitions that enhance overall readability.
Presentation & Language Use
Entries are expected to be meticulously edited, using formal language, correct grammar, and precise vocabulary appropriate to academic writing. Essays must be concise.
Awards
GOLD - 1 RECIPIENT
SILVER - 1 RECIPIENT
HONORABLE MENTIONS - 10 RECIPIENTS
HONORABLE MENTIONS - 10 RECIPIENTS
Scholarship worth 1000 USD to the Horizon Academic Research Program
Guidelines
Writing Content and Style
- Prompt Selection
Each essay must address 1 of the following 3 prompt questions:
- In an increasingly AI-driven world, how is our ability to think for ourselves changing?
- In today’s digital age, is privacy still a relevant concern?
- Should governments regulate what is shared on social media to prevent the spread of fake news?
- Academic Essays
Essays must be academic and use formal language. Students may not use personal anecdotes to substantiate their arguments.
Authorship and Integrity
- Original Authorship
- Each essay must be the independent work of the participant.
- While participants may seek feedback or engage in discussion, the writing must be conducted entirely by the student.
- The use of external writing services is strictly prohibited.
- Participants are required to declare any use of AI tools in connection with their essay. If AI was used, they must clearly specify the extent and purpose of its usage. Any use of AI will negatively impact the evaluation, and extensive reliance on AI may result in disqualification. Incomplete or misleading declarations will lead to immediate disqualification at the discretion of the Academic Advisory Board.
- Single Submission Policy
Participants may submit only one essay.
- Academic Integrity
- Plagiarism in any form will result in disqualification.
- All referenced material must be appropriately cited, and essays must reflect the participant’s original thought and expression.
- Each participant must provide the email address of an academic referee who is acquainted with their academic work (ideally a school teacher or counselor). Horizon Academic may contact referees directly to confirm the authenticity and originality of the submitted essays.
Formatting and Submission
- Word Limit
Essays must not exceed 1,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.
- Citation Format
- Submissions must follow the Modern Language Association (MLA) 8th edition citation style.
- For further reference, please consult this MLA 8 citation guide.
- Submission Guidelines
- To ensure a blind review, do not include your name, school, or any identifying information within the essay.
- Personal details will be collected separately through the submission system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participation
- Why should I participate in the Horizon Academic Essay Prize?
Participating in the Horizon Academic Essay Prize offers a chance to critically engage with the world around you—by exploring complex questions, forming original arguments, and reflecting deeply on issues that matter. It’s an opportunity to develop your voice, sharpen your thinking, and contribute meaningfully to conversations beyond the classroom.
- Who is eligible to participate in the Horizon Academic Essay Prize?
The competition is open to all students from any country who will be enrolled in high school (as of July 13, 2025). Current scholars or alums of the Horizon Academic Research Program are also also welcome to apply, but may not use their Horizon thesis work.
- Is there any entry fee for the competition?
No, the Horizon Academic Essay Prize is free for all current high schoolers to participate.
- How will winners be notified?
Students whose essays make it to the shortlist will be notified via email by August 1, 2025. Winners will also be notified via email before the public announcement on August 26, 2025.
Word Count
- What is the word limit?
Essays must not exceed 1000 words.
- Do endnotes, a bibliography or references contribute towards the word limit?
No, these do not count towards the word limit.
Collaboration and Use of AI
- Can I collaborate with someone else to submit a joint entry?
No, each submitted essay must be the sole work of one individual. Joint or collaborative submissions are not permitted.
- May I have someone else edit, or otherwise help me with, my essay?
Participants must be the sole writers and editors of their own work. Discussion, feedback, and proofreading are permitted but the only person making changes to and writing the essay must be the participant.
- Is it permitted to use AI tools to write parts of my essay?
Participants are required to declare any use of AI tools in connection with their essay. If AI was used, they must clearly specify the extent and purpose of its usage. Any use of AI will negatively impact the evaluation, and extensive reliance on AI may result in disqualification. Incomplete or misleading declarations will lead to immediate disqualification at the discretion of the Academic Advisory Board.
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