2026 Essay Competition

Essays must address a legal or ethical issue relevant to the intersection of law, medicine, and the life sciences

Applicants may draw inspiration from any area within the scope outlined above, including but not limited to:

• Artificial intelligence and quantum technologies 
• Pandemic preparedness and anti-microbial resistance 
• Pharmaceutical innovation and emerging health technologies 
• Clinical medicine and public health 

Essays must present an original argument, making a useful contribution to existing literature

Maximum 5,000 words, including footnotes but excluding figures and the table of contents

Essays must include an abstract and a clear thesis statement in the introduction

Essay submissions must include a summary of no more than 250 words

Times New Roman, font size 12,1.5-line spacing and justified alignment

Any consistent referencing style is acceptable. Citations must include the author’s name, title, year, and page numbers; hyperlinks are preferred where available

Assume your reader has advanced training or professional experience in law, medicine and life sciences, but not necessarily in your specific area. Avoid explaining the basics, but make complex, technical or specialised points clear