International Biomedicine Essay Competition
Inspiring the next generation of biomedical thinkers.
About the competition
The FutureVitals International Biomedicine Essay Competition gives young people around the world a platform to investigate the questions shaping the future of medicine.
Each year, students are challenged to research an emerging issue in biomedicine, evaluate scientific evidence, and develop an original perspective of their own. The competition is built for students who want to go beyond learning established science and begin thinking critically about where medicine is headed next.
- 2026 Theme
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine
- Format
- Research-based essay
- Submissions
- 1,324+ received, inaugural year
- Applications
- Closed for this cycle
Off to a strong start.
In our very first year, the competition received more than 1,324 submissions from students around the world, an extraordinary response that reflected the depth of young people's interest in biomedical science and the future of healthcare.
The range of perspectives, arguments, and ideas made the selection process highly competitive. Each submission was evaluated against a comprehensive rubric considering scientific understanding, global perspective, strength of analysis, communication, and original insight.
For an inaugural competition, the response exceeded what we could have imagined and established the International Biomedicine Essay Competition as a growing platform for young scientific voices.
Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how diseases are diagnosed, drugs are discovered, research is conducted, and patients receive care. At the same time, its growth raises difficult questions about bias, ethics, accessibility, affordability, and health equity.
This year's competition asked students to examine both sides of that transformation.
The challenge
Participants explored how artificial intelligence is influencing biomedicine and medical technology, while considering how its benefits and limitations may differ across communities and regions of the world.
Rather than simply describing new technology, students were expected to evaluate its implications, support their arguments with scientific evidence, and develop a perspective of their own.
Recognizing scientific voices.
Outstanding submissions are recognized for their scientific understanding, originality, evidence-based reasoning, and ability to examine medicine through a global lens.
First place
$200 award · Certificate of excellence · FutureVitals feature
Second place
$100 award · Certificate of excellence
Third place
$50 award · Certificate of excellence
Honorable mentions
Additional exceptional submissions recognized for outstanding work.
Judged across five areas.
Every essay is reviewed using a structured judging rubric built around five areas.
Scientific understanding
Accuracy and depth of biomedical knowledge.
Global perspective
Consideration of health equity, accessibility, and differences across healthcare systems.
Analysis
Thoughtful evaluation of both the opportunities and limitations surrounding the topic.
Communication
Clear, organized scientific writing supported by appropriate evidence and citations.
Original insight
Independent thinking and a perspective that goes beyond simply summarizing existing information.
Celebrating this year's outstanding young scientists.
With 1,324+ submissions received in our inaugural year, our review team is working through an incredibly competitive field of young biomedical thinkers from around the world.
Winners & awards · Announced August 13, 2026
Check back here and follow FutureVitals for the official results, award recipients, and highlights from this year's competition.