OceanICU Youth Competition
On 1 October 2026, OceanICU launched a Youth Competition to enable young people to learn about the scientific research carried out in the project. The competition invites young people (age 14-30 years old) to understand the work done by members of the project team and to explain one aspect of the work they have found interesting in a science outreach material (e.g. a poster, an infographic or a short video or podcast) that:
- highlights what they have learned and why they think it is important;
- could be shared with other young people and the general public.
Timeline
The deadline for application is 17 February 2027 at 18:00 CET. Two online meetings will be organised during which applicants will be able to learn more about the OceanICU project and ask questions: 4 November 2026 and 13 January 2027. Laureates’ work will be featured at the European Ocean Carbon Summit which will take place in Brussels (Belgium) on 26 May 2027.
Why participate?
By taking part in the OceanICU Youth Competition, you could:
- learn how the ocean captures and stores carbon and why it is important to understand this in the context of climate change;
- access information on recent scientific research results via publications, blog posts and webinar recordings;
- discover the multiple aspects of the OceanICU project and get the opportunity to speak directly with some members of the project team during two online events;
- gain new knowledge and develop your skills in science communication;
- submit your application with the science outreach material you have developed and get the opportunity to gain visibility for your work;
- receive a certificate of participation in the competition.
In addition, if you are selected as one of the laureates of the competition:
- your science outreach material will be published on the OceanICU website;
- you will be invited to write a blog post for the OceanICU website and record a short video in which you present your science outreach material for an exhibition (see below);
- your science outreach material and your short video will be part of an exhibition at the European Ocean Carbon Summit which will be held in Brussels (Belgium) on 26 May 2027.
Read the full Terms of Reference (rules) of the Competition to get all details!
Any question you may have can be addressed to youthcompetition@ocean-icu.eu
This competition is organised by OceanICU, a five-year project funded by the European Union and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) that seeks to gain a new understanding of the biological carbon pump.
The OceanICU Youth Competition is organised to enable young people to learn about the scientific research carried out in the OceanICU project. This project aims to improve our understanding on the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycle. By taking part in the OceanICU Youth Competition, you will learn how the ocean captures and stores carbon, and why it is important to understand this in the context of climate change. You will be able to participate in two online meetings with members of the project team and to develop your skills in science communication. If your application is selected by the Jury of the competition, your science outreach material will be showcased at the European Ocean Carbon Summit.
To participate in the OceanICU Youth Competition, please complete this online form. All questions in this form must be completed. You will be asked to confirm that you have fully understood the competition’s Terms of Reference (rules). Please read them carefully before completing this form.
Please note, that to participate, we need the approvals from your parents if you are under 18. This participation is voluntary and you have the right to withdrawal your participation at anytime, without justification. If it is the case, please send an email to youthcompetition@ocean-icu.eu
Any question you may have can be sent to youthcompetition@ocean-icu.eu
This competition is organised by OceanICU, a five-year project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) that seeks to gain a new understanding of the biological carbon pump.








