In a world that often rewards quick answers, the Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition dares students to ask better questions. Organized by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR), this annual contest has quickly become one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for young thinkers. It’s more than just an essay contest; it’s a global movement inviting students to challenge assumptions, explore complex ideas, and contribute their unique voice to conversations that matter.
What is the Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition?
At its heart, Re:think is an invitation to engage in deep, critical exploration. Sponsored by CCIR, the competition encourages students to move beyond standard curricula and grapple with thought-provoking—and often controversial—topics that span the humanities, sciences, and beyond . Whether the subject is a historical dilemma, a pressing present-day issue, or a speculative future scenario, participants are asked to analyze its many facets, question established norms, and craft a compelling, well-researched argument.
What sets Re:think apart is its remarkable academic pedigree. The essay prompts are not created in isolation; they are curated in close collaboration with distinguished professors from some of the world’s most renowned universities, including Harvard, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and Princeton. This ensures that every question is not only relevant but also resonates with the depth and significance expected at the highest levels of academic discourse.
The competition’s growth speaks to its impact. In 2025, CCIR received over 13,000 submissions from students in more than 50 countries—more than triple the number from the previous year. This surge in participation highlights a growing global community of students eager to test their ideas on an international stage.