INSTITUTE FOR RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING & SUSTAINABLE PEACEBUILDING (IRUSP), BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
International Essay Competition 2026
In an era marked by religious polarization, violent conflict, rapid technological change, and deepening social fragmentation, the need for fresh and transformative thinking has never been greater. The IRUSP International Essay Competition 2026 invites scholars, researchers, students, practitioners, faith leaders, and emerging voices from around the world to contribute original, evidence-based, and solution-oriented essays that explore religion’s role in fostering peace, justice, human dignity, and sustainable development. Through this global initiative, the Institute for Religious Understanding and Sustainable Peacebuilding (IRUSP) seeks to amplify innovative ideas capable of shaping public discourse, informing policy, and advancing peaceful coexistence.
Religion at the Crossroads: Reimagining Faith, Peacebuilding, and Human Flourishing in a Fragmented World
This theme allows contributors to engage issues such as:
• Religious literacy and peaceful coexistence
• Religion and artificial intelligence
• Faith in the digital public sphere
• Climate justice and religious responsibility
• Religion and migration
• Religious extremism and deradicalization
• Youth, identity, and religious belonging
• Mental health, spirituality, and human dignity
• Interfaith collaboration for sustainable development
• Religious freedom and democratic governance
Competition Objectives
The competition seeks ideas capable of shaping public discourse, informing policy, and strengthening peaceful coexistence across diverse societies.
Prize
• First Price: $500
• Two runners-up: $250 each
• The first 30 leading articles will also be published in the Institute’s proposed Journal – Journal of Religious Understanding and Peacebuilding (IRUSP) as an open access publication.
In addition:
• Certificate of Excellence
• Publication opportunity in the IRUSP Working Paper Series or edited volume (subject to editorial review)
• Will be featured and celebrated on the IRUSP website
• Invitation to present at an IRUSP Global Dialogue Forum
• Membership in the IRUSP Research Network
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility
Open to:
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Early-career researchers
• Academics
• Religious leaders
• Peacebuilding practitioners
• Civil society professionals
• Independent researchers
Applicants from all countries are encouraged to participate.
Essay Requirements
• Original and unpublished work only.
• Length: 3,500 to 5,000 words (excluding references).
• Language: English.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
• Line spacing: 1.5.
• Referencing style: APA 7th Edition or Chicago Author-Date.
Submission Process
Submit as a Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF file through our website: www.irusp.org
Subject line: IRUSP Essay Competition 2026
Important Dates
Submission Opens: August 15, 2026
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Peer Review: October 16 to November 30, 2026
Announcement of Winners: December 15, 2026
Virtual Award Ceremony: December 21, 2026
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on their originality and innovation (25%), depth of analysis (25%), quality of evidence and research (20%), practical relevance and policy implications (15%), clarity, organization, and writing quality (10%), and their overall contribution to peacebuilding and religious understanding (5%). Essays that demonstrate strong scholarly rigor, creativity, and practical significance will receive the highest consideration.
Terms and Conditions
• Only one submission per participant.
• Essays must be generated primarily through the author’s own intellectual work. If AI tools are used for language editing or formatting, this should be disclosed. AI-generated essays or undisclosed substantial AI authorship WILL be disqualified.
• IRUSP reserves the right to conduct plagiarism screening.
• Similarity index must not exceed 15%, excluding references and properly quoted material.
• Copyright remains with the author. However, IRUSP reserves the right of first publication for shortlisted and winning essays.
• The judges’ decisions are final.
For questions or further inquiries, please send us email through: [email protected]