Research Nest / Competitions
A big idea.
250 words to make it count.
Turn curiosity into a clear research proposal. Our competitions give you a focused challenge to put your research and writing skills into practice.
Our collaborative research competition
The Next Question Challenge
Research Nest and The BU1LD are hosting an abstract-writing competition. Your task: propose a small, thoughtful study that could help us understand or improve something in everyday life.
What is one everyday problem you could investigate—and how would you find convincing evidence?
You do not need completed experiments or a published paper. Write a proposal abstract: explain what you would study, how you would study it and why the answer matters.
Launch date, deadline, final eligibility, judges, prizes and submission instructions will be announced before entries open.
The preparation brief
Four parts. One strong abstract.
Use the structure below to prepare your idea. Keep your abstract to 250 words; put your title and a short source list outside the word count.
- 01
Context & problem
What have you noticed? Briefly explain the problem and what existing evidence does—or does not—tell us.
- 02
Your research question
Ask one specific, answerable question. State a hypothesis if your proposed method calls for one.
- 03
A realistic method
Explain what you would compare or measure, what data you would use and how you would analyse it.
- 04
Why the answer matters
Describe the contribution the study could make and one important limitation. Label expected outcomes as expectations, not findings.
A starting point, not an assigned answer
Small question.
Real potential.
Could shaded areas around a school be measurably cooler than exposed areas? What would you measure, when would you measure it and what else could affect the comparison?
Use this as inspiration, or choose your own question. Your proposal should be your own work, with sources credited and any AI assistance disclosed.
This is a writing challenge. Do not collect personal data or run experiments involving people, animals or hazards for your entry. Describe the permissions and safeguards your proposed study would need.
Our competition partner
Meet The BU1LD.
The BU1LD is an independent machine-learning lab connecting researchers, engineers and founders, with an emphasis on reproducible research and useful systems.
Explore The BU1LD ↗Get ready while we prepare the launch
Your next question starts here.
Practice reading evidence, learn to shape a research question and join our Discord for competition announcements.