<p>The Minds Underground STEM Essay Competition is an annual international essay competition across five disciplines — Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science — run by Minds Underground (part of U2 Tuition Ltd.). The Biology and Chemistry categories are particularly well-suited to medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical school applicants.</p><ul><li>Eligibility: open to UK and international students; aimed at Year 12 entrants, with ambitious Year 10–11 students and Year 13 re-applicants also welcome</li><li>2026 Biology prompts: whether biodiversity matters if ecosystems function without it, and whether extinct species should be brought back</li><li>2026 Chemistry prompts: whether chemistry could solve the energy crisis, and whether plastics are essential or obsolete</li><li>Format: independent academic essay answering one prompt per subject; students may enter more than one subject category via separate submissions</li><li>Submission: online via the competition form; 2026 deadline is 3 April 2026</li><li>Recognition: certificates and placements useful for university personal statements</li></ul><p>Full prompts, guidelines, and the submission form are available on the Minds Underground STEM Essay Competition page.</p>