As one of the most prestigious and reputable magazines in the world, connecting academia and international affairs using words and editorials, The Harvard International Review (HIR) aims to introduce the new generation of young scholars towards the world of academia through hosting the HIR Academic Writing Contest. Since 2020, the contest sheds light on the problems our modern world faces and promotes scholars to critically evaluate and assess international affairs that urgently need attention from us, allowing a broad and wide range of topics to be discussed in the student’s article. The HIR Academic Writing does not only allow scholars to research on topics they are interested in and develop their own opinions but also promotes them to become a well informed and educated global citizen. Research and analytical skills, gaining specific knowledge and improved essay writing skills are just some of the essential and fundamental abilities you will be able to consolidate from participating in this renowned essay competition.
| Eligibility | United States: Open to students in grades 9-12 across all 50 states, DC, US territories, or US citizens/lawful permanent residents attending high school abroad. |
| International: Students from outside the United States are welcome to participate. Submissions must be in English and use traditional American spelling. | |
| Contest Format | Participants will submit short-form articles on international affairs. Submissions will be reviewed and graded, and finalists will be invited to a virtual HIR Defense Day. During Defense Day, finalists will present and defend their articles in a 15-minute session in front of HIR judges. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend special events on international affairs. |
| Topics | For this year’s contest, students can choose from: |
| Topic A: Inequalities in a VUCA* World * VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity |
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| Topic B: Global Challenges and Collective Actions | |
| Categories | Categories may include, but are not limited to: Agriculture Business Cybersecurity Defense Education Employment & Immigration Energy & Environment Finance & Economy Public Health Science & Technology Space Trade Transportation |
| Articles should have a global perspective and not be US-focused. | |
| Prizes | All submissions will receive a letter grade. Contestants who pass but do not make it to HIR Defense Day will receive a Commendation. Finalists will be eligible for the following medals based on their preliminary grade and performance on HIR Defense Day: |
| Commendation: HIR Certificate Bronze: HIR Certificate and name on the website Silver: HIR Certificate, name on the website, and 1-year print subscription Gold: HIR Certificate, name and paper on the website, and 2-year print subscription |
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| Submission Guidelines | Articles should be approximately 800-1200 words, excluding diagrams, data tables, and the authorship declaration. Please note that HIR does not accept opinion pieces, also known as op-eds. |
| As a journalistic organization, HIR mandates that submissions adhere to an adapted version of its style guide. Additionally, submissions must be culturally sensitive, thoroughly fact-checked, and respectful. | |
| Deadline | Summer 2024 Article Submission Deadline: August 31, 2024 HIR Defense Day: October 5, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 / Winter 2024 Article Submission Deadline: January 2, 2025 HIR Defense Day: February 5, 2025 |