UK Junior Water Prize 2026

The UK Junior Water Prize 2026 is a STEM research competition run by CIWEM (in partnership with Arup and Jacobs) that challenges secondary-school students to identify a water-related problem, design research, carry out experiments and propose a practical, innovative solution. Entrants must submit a research paper (maximum 20 pages) and an abstract (maximum 200 words).

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to present their project in person to a jury; the UK winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to represent the UK at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (with the opportunity to win a US$15,000 grand prize). Additional rewards include jury feedback, presentation experience and exposure at CIWEM events (winner announced at the Flood & Coast conference).

Key dates: submissions open 23 February 2026 and the application deadline is Tuesday 5 May 2026 (09:00 BST). Applicants must be aged 15-18, based in the UK and in secondary education when the research was carried out.

For questions contact awards@ciwem. org.