Samara National Research University announced the launch of the nationwide “Universum” Competition for Young Researchers. The project brings together students in grades 8–10 from across Russia who are passionate about the humanities and has, for several years running, served as a gateway into the university’s academic and educational environment.
“Universum” is a competition for those who want not only to excel academically but also to understand, explain, and communicate complex ideas clearly. Participants explore language, texts, culture, history, psychology, and communication, trying their hand as researchers and science communicators while gaining experience in project work and public speaking.
“For us, ‘Universum’ is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for school students to encounter humanities knowledge in its contemporary, dynamic form,” notes D. V. Timoshina, “Universum” coordinator and Associate Professor at the Department of Russian Language and Mass Communication. “We demonstrate that the humanities develop critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to work with meaning—competencies that are just as essential today as technological expertise.”
The competition is implemented with the involvement of faculty members from Samara University’s Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities, offering school students an early introduction to the university, its teaching staff, and its educational opportunities.
The first stage is conducted online via the official competition website and will run until March 31, 2026. Participants will complete tests in Russian and English languages, literature, and history.
The second stage is remote and requires participants to carry out a research project in one of the following thematic tracks “Linguistics (Russian),” “Linguistics (English),” “Literary Studies,” “Psychology,” or “History.”
Projects must include multiple modern formats reflecting current approaches to humanities scholarship a long-form article (longread), an illustrated popular-science poster, and a short introductory video.
The third stage will take place in mid-July 2026 as an educational intensive hosted by Samara University, delivered using distance-learning technologies. Finalists from the second stage will refine their projects under the guidance of leading faculty from the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities, prepare materials for publication in a popular-science journal, and immerse themselves in the university’s academic environment.
The culminating stage of the competition will be a thematic session at the All-Russian Children’s Center “Artek” in September 2026. Participants will enjoy a rich program combining humanities education, popular-science formats, project-based learning, and cultural events.
Finalists will gain not only a memorable educational experience but also tangible benefits publication of their longread in a popular-science journal, exclusive “Universum” merchandise, an additional 10 points toward admission to Samara University, and the chance to join a nationwide community of young humanities scholars.
Competition Timeline
• Stage 1 (Testing) February 1 – March 31, 2026
• Stage 2 (Research Project) April 1 – June 10, 2026
• Stage 3 (Educational Intensive) July 10–20, 2026
• Award Stage (“Artek” Session) September 1(2)–21(22), 2026
Detailed information about the competition, participation requirements, and registration is available on the official “Universum” competition website and in the competition’s VKontakte community.
