Lincoln College is delighted to announce an essay competition for Year 12 students interested in the life sciences. Full details of the competition will be released in January 2026, with a deadline for submission in March.

What does the Life Sciences Competition involve?

Students will be invited to write an essay of up to 1,500 words in answer to a question released in January 2026. We welcome creative submissions, and entrants are welcome to approach the question in whatever way is most meaningful to them, as long as they demonstrate that they are thinking scientifically. The questions are designed to test creativity and scientific intuition rather than knowledge.

All entrants securing a bronze award or higher will be awarded a certificate. Entrants who secure a gold award will be invited to attend a special day for prize-winners at Lincoln College. This event will give students the opportunity to meet science tutors at the College, hear about their research, and meet undergraduates studying Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at Oxford. The event will be free of charge and lunch will be provided. Financial support will also be available to cover transport costs for students who would otherwise be unable to attend.

Who is it for?

The Life Sciences competition is for UK students in Year 12 or equivalent.

We welcome entries from students studying in any school in the UK, but we particularly encourage entries from students who:

• Are currently attending a state-maintained school
• Would be the first in their immediate family to go to university
• Are or have previously been eligible for Free School Meals
• Are young carers, or have been in care

How to take part?

Full details about how to submit your essay, together with this year’s questions, will be released in January.

However, if you would like to sign up for information about the competition to be sent directly to you, please fill out this form.