Call for submissions: My Research in 60 Seconds

Are you a student or early-career researcher working to improve the lives of children, adolescents, young people and families?

The Children’s Institute invites postgraduate students and early-career researchers to participate in ‘My Research in 60 Seconds’– an emerging researcher showcase taking place as part of our two-day critical dialogue on the topic Children’s Futures. Through a competitive process, we will select 20 of the ‘60 second’ clips/videos to showcase at the critical dialogue.

What we are looking for

We want to hear about your research – in just 60 seconds! ‘My Research in 60 Seconds’ provides a platform for emerging researchers to visually and creatively communicate why their research matters for children, increase the visibility of their work, and connect with researchers and other stakeholders working to improve the lives of children and adolescents.

The top 20 videos will be showcased during the two-day critical dialogue on 25–26 November 2026.

Who can participate

You are eligible to apply if you are residing in South Africa, have ethics clearance from an accredited Research Ethics Committee in South Africa, and meet one of the following criteria:

• A registered postgraduate student; or
• An early career researcher/academic (within three years of completing your PhD or
  Master’s); affiliated with a higher education institution and/or research institute and/
  or an NGO.

Your research may be ongoing or completed, but should: 

• Have results to present;
• Be applied research;
• Relate to children and young people, adolescents and/or families; and
• Must relate to the critical dialogue theme of Children’s Futures.

Recognition and awards

• All accepted presentations/videos will receive a certificate of participation
• All accepted presentations/videos will be played at the dialogue for attendees
• The top three entries will have full costs covered to attend the dialogue inperson (flights and accommodation if residing outside of Cape Town, and full registration fee)
• The remaining 17 students/ECR finalists will qualify for a discounted registration fee (flights and accommodation not included). Note: presentation/video will still be shared at the event, even if you are unable to attend in person.

Prize for top three: 

• All expenses paid, in-person attendance of the critical dialogue
• Featured profile on the Children’s Institute website/social media for a limited period
• Opportunity to present your work at an internal Children’s Institute seminar/webinar in 2027

Read the evaluation criteria, and the details of what and how to submit by the application deadline of 26 October 2026.