Since 2005, Biology Letters has served as a premier destination for high-caliber biological research. Throughout its history, the journal has championed scientists at every professional milestone—particularly those at the start of their journey.
To honor the contributions of emerging scientists, the Early Career Researcher Competition (launched in 2022) celebrates the most outstanding original research published in the journal by the next generation of biologists
Prizes & Recognition
First Place: £1,000 cash prize (or currency equivalent).
Runners-Up: Two selected researchers will each receive £500.
We invite submissions from Early Career Researchers (ECRs) who meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: You must have completed your postgraduate degree within the last six years.
- Originality: Entries must be original research manuscripts submitted directly to Biology Letters.
- Exclusions: Employees of the Royal Society, their immediate families, or individuals involved in the award’s administration are ineligible.
Note: The Royal Society may request verification of your ECR status and reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not align with the spirit of the competition.
How to Apply
Entering the competition is a seamless part of the standard journal submission process:
- Submit Your Article: Follow the standard submission guidelines on the Biology Letters portal.
- Deadline: Your manuscript must be submitted between Monday, January 12, 2026, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (23:59 BST).
- Opt-In: During the online submission process, ensure you check the designated box to enter the competition.
- Cover Letter: Explicitly state in your cover letter that you wish for your manuscript to be considered for the 2026 ECR Competition.
- Entry Fee: There is no cost to enter this competition.
Please note: Eligibility for the prize is contingent upon your paper being accepted for publication by the journal.
Terms of Participation
By entering, participants agree to comply with the competition’s official terms and conditions. For specific inquiries or clarifications, please reach out to the team at [email protected].
For full details and to begin your submission, visit the official Biology Letters Early Career Researcher Competition website.
