Competitions

For high school students interested in global affairs, the HIR Academic Writing Contest 2026 offers a unique opportunity to explore these issues at a more analytical level. Among the three themes in the Senior Category, Theme B: Security in a Multipolar World pushes students beyond surface-level observations and asks them to examine how power, conflict, and cooperation are being redefined in a world where no single actor dominates.

The Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest 2026 officially returns this year with three new thematic prompts spanning some of the most pressing issues in contemporary global affairs. Of these, Theme A: Global Culture in the Digital Era stands out as one of the most relevant and intellectually rich topics for students, as it sits at the intersection between technology and cultural production.

The Harvard International Review (HIR) Academic Writing Contest is officially back for 2026, and for the first time, the competition introduces a Junior category and opens the floor to 7th and 8th grade students ready to engage with real-world issues at an academic level. In this guide, Aralia breaks down the Junior prompt in detail: what it’s asking, what the judges are looking for beneath the surface, and the practical strategies to help students move from a good idea to a compelling submission.

In this article, we will analyze the 2026 International Relations questions and offer analytical frameworks that students may find useful in approaching them effectively.

If you’re a high school student who’s interested in biology, joining biology competitions can be one of the most engaging ways to explore the subject beyond the classroom. Whether you’re just starting out in freshman biology or already taking advanced courses like AP Biology, there are opportunities designed for every level of experience.