Welcome to

SARC 2026

100% virtual

Ages 13 - 18

No experience needed!

High-school students

1.

Attend bootcamps and learn university-level research

2.

Write a 2 page research proposal on a topic of YOUR CHOICE

3.

Present a video and win big!

WHAT IS SARC?

The High School Academic Research Competition (SARC) is a global, fully virtual research competition that empowers high school students to explore big ideas and dive into the world of academic research
— no prior experience required.

The 4th edition of SARC is a guided learning journey. Through expert-led webinars, on-demand bootcamps, students build real research skills, gain academic depth, and join a worldwide community of curious, driven learners.

WHY JOIN?

Access to expert led webinars and on-demand bootcamps

Cash prize of USD $1,000

Indigo Summer Research Program for FREE or seriously discounted

A standout extracurricular for your college applications

Your work published on the SARC website

TIMELINE

HOW DOES THE COMPETITION WORK

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

SARC is an individual research competition and is not open to group entries.

After registration, provide answers to a few short questions about your research topic (Assessment Form).

Gain experience by participating in exclusive bootcamps & live webinars on subjects like research proposal development and data analysis from experts in their fields.

Submit your 1-2 page research proposal shortly after all bootcamps end.

The top 50 research proposals are chosen to advance to the next round. Each finalist films and submits a 1.5-3 minutes elevator pitch video.

Winners are declared based on the quality of their research proposal and video.

Experience a guided immersion into the research process

Kazakhstan students can register here!