EC2U Science Contest 2026

On 20 May 2026, the EC2U Science Contest will take place as part of the EC2U Forum in Turku (Finland). This time Turku, Umea (Sweden) and Jena will be competing against each other.

How does a science contest like this work?

In the EC2U Science Contest, teams of six researchers from different disciplines compete against each other. For example, the teams are all given the same question and three minutes to find the answer, after which they have to present their answer. The presenters talk to the teams, the audience on site and online. As in a TV show, all six other EC2U locations are connected via livestream.

The judges from the universities that do not provide teams award points for quick-wittedness, entertainment factor and logical reasons. The audience awards additional points by show of hands and online vote.

The Science Contest is held in English.

On youtube you can watch the Science Battle 2021 again in its entiretyExternal link or as a best-ofExternal link youtube video. You can watch the EC2U Science Battle/Contest 2022-2025 on YouTubeExternal link.

In the Science Contest, questions from the audience are solved. To get an idea of what kind of questions have made it into the last shows, here are a few examples:

• Why are stars and other celestial bodies like the Earth almost round, but our solar system flat?
• Is it ethically better to eat insects than meat?
• Why do water pipes freeze faster when the frost subsides?
• Why are humans so selfish?
• How many balloons does it take to lift an 80kg person into the air?
• How can the lack of oxygen in the Baltic Sea be controlled?
• What is the decision|ruling|judgement in the fight against cancer?

And what question do you ask the researchers?

Anyone can ask questions - people in the Jena region as well as affiliates of the institutions of higher education in Jena.

Questions can be submitted here until 31 March 2026: Submit your question hereExternal link