Build research skills
Students practise methods connected to research, critical thinking, source work and presenting results.
About the competition
What is Ungt vísindafólk?
Ungt vísindafólk is Iceland’s national competition for young people who want to work on a research project, develop an idea, present their results and take part in a community of students interested in science, research and innovation.
The competition gives students an opportunity to present research, ideas and solutions to others.
Purpose
The competition supports young people in thinking, researching and creating.
The goal is to give students an opportunity to work independently on their own project, learn how to formulate a research question, choose a method, work with data or solutions, and present results clearly.
Encourage initiative
The competition encourages students to choose a topic they find interesting and develop it through their own questions and ideas.
Connect projects to the wider world
Projects can connect to school, society, environment, technology, health, natural sciences, design or other areas that matter to young people.
Who is it for?
For students with a question, idea or project.
Ungt vísindafólk is intended for upper-secondary students who want to present research, an experiment, a prototype, data analysis, a social issue or other research-related work.
Students
For students who want to take the next step with a project they have worked on or want to develop a new idea.
Teachers
Teachers can help students define a project, shape a research question and prepare a presentation.
Mentors
Projects may be supported by teachers, specialists, schools or others who can provide useful feedback.
The process
How does the competition work?
1. Idea
A student or team chooses a question, problem or idea that can be investigated or developed.
2. Project work
The project is developed through a method, data, experiments, design, sources or testing.
3. Presentation
Students present what they did, why it matters and what results they found.
4. Feedback
Projects receive feedback from a jury, and selected projects may have the opportunity to go further.
Evaluation
What makes a good project?
A good project does not need to be perfect or large. Most importantly, it should be clear, well explained and based on careful work.
Clear question
The project explains what is being investigated, tested or developed.
Careful method
Students can describe how they worked on the project and why they chose that method.
Good presentation
Results are presented clearly, and students can answer questions about the project.
EUCYS
From Iceland to Europe.
Selected participants from the national competition may have the opportunity to represent Iceland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, EUCYS. There, young scientists from Europe and beyond present their work, meet peers with similar interests and take part in an international science community.
Ungt vísindafólk 2027
Applications are planned to open in December 2026, with the national competition taking place in spring 2027. Students can start developing their projects this autumn.
Want to know more?
Students, teachers and schools interested in Ungt vísindafólk 2027 are welcome to contact us or explore the information and guidance available for participants.