Apply for Essay Contest: Voices of the Future of Brazilian Science

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Pulitzer Center and The Conversation Brazil are inviting graduate students and recent graduates in Brazil to submit original essays on pressing socio-environmental issues. Five winning articles will each receive US$250 and be published by the Pulitzer Center and The Conversation Brazil, while additional selected works may appear in a collective e-book or special university edition. What Is the Voices of the Future of Brazilian Science Essay Contest?

The Essay Contest: Voices of the Future of Brazilian Science is a collaborative initiative of the Pulitzer Center and The Conversation Brazil.

The competition aims to amplify the perspectives of emerging scientists and researchers on Brazil’s major environmental and social challenges. It promotes accessible science communication, encouraging young researchers to transform academic knowledge into clear and engaging analysis for a broader audience. Other interconnected socio-environmental challenges. What Is the Main Objective of the Contest? The contest seeks to give emerging researchers a platform to communicate scientific knowledge about Brazil’s socio-environmental challenges. The initiative particularly encourages articles that connect research, evidence, public policy and real-world impacts. Entries should be analytical rather than simply descriptive and should make complex scientific or environmental issues understandable to a general audience. What Topics Can Applicants Address? Applicants can develop original articles around several suggested themes. Just Energy Transition Entries may examine how Brazil can transition toward cleaner energy systems while addressing questions of social justice, employment, inequality and access to energy. Climate Change and the Labour Market Articles may explore how climate change affects employment, working conditions and vulnerable communities. Environmental Advocates Applicants can examine the role of individuals, organizations and movements working to protect the environment and influence environmental policy. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Entries may explore how Indigenous peoples and local communities contribute to forest conservation and sustainable resource management. Threats to Tropical Forests

Applicants may analyze threats such as:

Land grabbing. Mining. Deforestation. Environmental degradation. Other pressures affecting tropical forests. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, so applicants can connect environmental questions with economics, sociology, public policy, science, technology, health, law or other fields.

Important Requirement: Use a Pulitzer Center-Supported Report

Each article must be based on and cite at least one news report supported by the Pulitzer Center. The supported report should serve as a starting point for the applicant’s own analysis. The submission should therefore add an original perspective rather than simply summarize the existing journalism. Who Is Eligible? The competition is open to individuals who are currently studying or recently completed postgraduate programmes at eligible Brazilian higher education institutions.

Eligible applicants include:

Master’s students currently enrolled at a Brazilian higher education institution recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC). Doctoral students currently enrolled at an eligible Brazilian institution. Post-doctoral researchers currently enrolled in an eligible programme. Individuals who completed a Master’s, Doctoral or Post-Doctoral programme at an eligible Brazilian institution within the past two years. There are no restrictions based on academic discipline or geographic region within Brazil. Can Articles Have Multiple Authors? Yes.

Articles may be submitted:

Individually. By two authors. By groups of authors. Applicants should ensure that all authors meet the competition’s eligibility requirements where applicable. What Is the Prize? The authors of the five best articles will each receive: Publication provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to reach audiences beyond traditional academic journals. Article Requirements Submitted articles must meet specific formatting and content requirements.

Each article must:

Contain 800–1,000 words. Be submitted in .docx or .pdf format. Be submitted without identifying the author within the article file. Include a title of no more than 15 words. Include an epigraph. Include a conflict of interest statement. Be based on and cite at least one Pulitzer Center-supported report. The article should be written in an accessible style suitable for public-facing science communication. Required Enrollment Documentation Current students must provide proof of active enrollment.

The document must:

Be issued by the relevant Brazilian higher education institution. Be provided as a PDF. Have been issued within the last 90 days. Applicants who recently completed their postgraduate programme should provide the required evidence of completion according to the contest instructions. How to Apply Applicants should complete the online application process and submit all required materials.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Verify that you are:

Enrolled in or recently graduated from an eligible Master’s, Doctoral or Post-Doctoral programme. Studying or have studied at a Brazilian higher education institution recognized by the MEC. Within the permitted timeframe if you have already completed your programme.

Step 2: Select a Relevant Socio-Environmental Issue

Choose an issue connected to Brazil’s environmental and social challenges. Potential areas include climate change, energy transition, labour, forest conservation, Indigenous communities, environmental advocacy, mining and land grabbing.

Step 3: Identify a Pulitzer Center-Supported Report

Find at least one relevant Pulitzer Center-supported news report to use as the starting point for your analysis. The article should clearly cite and build upon this source.

Step 4: Develop an Original Analysis

Use the