Deadline: February 1, 2026
The IEADB Essay Competition 2025/2026 is now open to students across the world. This prestigious competition, also known as the Ronald Mitchell Prize, recognises outstanding student research that makes innovative and rigorous use of the International Environmental Agreements Database (IEADB).
The IEADB Essay Competition 2025/2026 aims to promote high-quality academic work on international environmental governance while supporting emerging scholars working in this critical field.
About the IEADB Essay Competition 2025/2026
The IEADB Essay Competition is an annual academic contest designed to reward excellent student research papers that utilise data from the International Environmental Agreements Database (IEADB). The competition is named in honour of Ronald Mitchell, a leading scholar in international environmental politics and the founder of the IEADB.
Participants are encouraged to submit original research that demonstrates strong analytical depth, methodological rigour, and meaningful engagement with international environmental agreements.
Prize Award
- Cash Prize: USD 500
- Award Name: Ronald Mitchell Prize
- Awarded To: Best student research paper using the IEADB
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The competition is open to a wide range of students globally.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to students at any academic level (Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD) during the 2025 academic year
- Co-authored papers are permitted, provided the first author is a student
- Applicants from all countries and academic disciplines are welcome
What Type of Papers Can Be Submitted?
The IEADB Essay Competition 2025/2026 accepts a broad range of academic submissions, including:
- Term papers
- Master’s theses or thesis chapters
- Independent or side research projects
- Published or unpublished research papers
Students retain full copyright of their submitted work.
Paper Requirements and Format
To be considered eligible, submissions must meet the following requirements:
- Word Count: Between 5,000 and 12,000 words, including references
- Supplementary Materials: Appendices, datasets, code, and supplementary files may exceed the word limit
- Language: Papers not written in English must include a full English translation
- Data Use: Submissions must make substantive use of the International Environmental Agreements Database (IEADB)
Evaluation Criteria
All submissions will be reviewed and assessed based on the following core criteria:
- Originality of research
- Analytical and methodological rigour
- Research integrity
- Depth and quality of engagement with international environmental agreements
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 1 February 2026
Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their completed research paper via email as specified in the official competition guidelines.
At the bottom of this page, you will find:
- One link to apply
- One link to read more about the programme
These links appear only once, in line with application instructions.
Why You Should Apply
The IEADB Essay Competition 2025/2026 offers students a unique opportunity to:
- Gain international academic recognition
- Strengthen their research profile
- Contribute to global discussions on environmental governance
- Compete for a respected and well-recognised academic prize
Need Support With Your Submission?
If you require professional support, contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your essay before submission.
