Fostering research culture among students around the world.
IRC brings forth a venue for the high school, undergraduate and graduate students to display their research writing prowess.
About the competition
The International Research Competition (IRC) is an epitome of the organization’s commitment to knowledge and research. True to its mission, IIARI upholds the value of research and education for intellectual growth and development. IRC aims to nurture research culture among the students in various education levels.
IRC is an international competition open to all student-researchers across the globe. It brings forth a venue for the high school, undergraduate and graduate students to display their research writing prowess.
1. Objectives
The competition aims to:
- continuously develop strong research culture among students;
- provide platform for the dissemination and publication of student research outputs;
- foster collaboration among student-researchers around the globe; and
- develop camaraderie among fellows in the industry and academic community.
2. Categories
There are three categories of the competition:
Category 1. High School Students. This competition is open to senior high school students.
Category 2. Undergraduate Students. This competition is open to undergraduate students in any specializations.
Category 3. Graduate Students. This competition is open to graduate students both in Masters and Doctorate levels in any specializations.
3. Levels
IRC has three levels namely: first, second and final round.
First round. The competitors submit the extended abstract (download the format) of their paper during the first round of the competition. All submissions are through the online submission form. The panel of evaluators choose the papers to continue to the second round of the competition.
Second round. The competitors submit the full manuscript of their paper (download title page and download anonymous file), supporting evidence (student identification, proof of enrollment or certificate of graduation) and registration fee of $40 (P2,000 for Philippine competitors). The panel of evaluators choose maximum ten (10) papers from each category to advance to the final round of the competition. All accepted papers will be published in the proceedings journal.
Final round. The top papers are called for an online panel interview. There will be one winner per category.
HOW WINNER IS DETERMINED?
FIRST ROUND
The chair and co-chair vote to "ACCEPT" or "REJECT" each submission in the three categories. After the votes are casted, they will be tallied to determine any split decision. A third evaluator will be called to make the final decision on the split decision. The final number of second round qualifiers will be announced. Only the qualifiers will be sent notice of acceptance via email.
SECOND ROUND
The qualifiers will be given sufficient time to complete their paper and submit the full paper in proper format in order to register for the competition. Any qualifier who complied with all the requirements (full paper, proof of enrolment/graduation, registration fee, complete registration form) will be the second round finalists. The anonymous full papers will be evaluated by a separate panel comprising 60% of the total scores. Each category has different set of two evaluators. At the end of round two, maximum ten papers enter the final round.
FINAL ROUND
Important due dates
Rounds 1&2
September 30, 2024 - Extended abstract submission deadline.
October 15, 2024 – Announcement of Round 2 Finalists.
November 10, 2024 – Deadline for full paper submission.
Final round
November 25, 2024 – Announcement of Round 3 Finalists.
December 1 – 15, 2024 – Round 3 Virtual Panel Interview.
January 16-17, 2025 – Awarding Ceremony
Rules and mechanics
1. Scope of research
There are four key areas: (1) education; (2) business and finance; (3) social sciences and (4) information technology. The competition accepts any topic within its scope and coverage. The submitted article needs to have strong empirical evidence and make significant contribution to the field. It should have strong theoretical and/or methodological literature. The submission is an original article, not have been nor considered for publishing elsewhere. The author must obtain permission for any used copyrighted materials within the article. The competition only accepts articles in English.
The total word count including references for Category 1 must be 3,000 to 5,000. Meanwhile, the Category 2 and 3 requires 6,000 to 8,000 words including references. There is maximum of 5 authors in one article.
2. Eligibility
The competition is open to currently enrolled students. Authors need to provide valid identification or proof of their enrollment. In case of a team, all the authors must be currently enrolled during the academic year at the time of the competition.
Competitors can use a previously written thesis or dissertation as part of their academic requirement by providing a written certification from the school allowing its use. The paper should have not been published nor considered for publication. Students can use academic papers written from 2021 to 2023. If in case the author had graduated, certificate of graduation should be provided.
The authors are allowed to have mentors or advisors as co-authors. Clearly specify in the manuscript if advisor.
3. Accepted papers
All papers will be published in The Research Probe, the proceedings journal. In addition, some papers can be invited to be published for free in the relevant IIARI journals. Should the author withdraw from the competition after acceptance, a written notice should be sent to the committee at least 7 days before the scheduled final round of the competition.
4. Selection criteria
The finalist in the first and second rounds of the competitions will be chosen through the following criteria:
- Strong empirical evidence - 10%
- Strong contribution to the field - 30%
- Technical write-up - 60%
- Background and related work (15)
- Methodology (20)
- Results and Discussion (20)
- Conclusion (5)
During the final round of the competition, the criteria for the selection include:
- Manuscript Evaluation - 60%
- Panel Interview - 40%
Prizes and awards
One winner will be announced per category who will receive the following prizes:
Category 1. USD100 (P5000), Certificate and Plaque
Category 2. USD150 (P7500), Certificate and Plaque
Category 3. USD200 (P10000), Certificate and Plaque
The second and third placers in each category receive certificate and medal. The winning advisor/mentor also receives certificate. The non-winners receive e-certificate of recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The registration fee is $40 (P2,000) for papers accepted in the second round. There is no payment for the paper submission in the first round of the competition.
If you register to the competition, you will automatically receive certificate of recognition (as finalist), certificate of publication (proceedings journal), certificate of presentation (conference) and certificate of training (conference).
A: Yes. You may withdraw your paper after acceptance after a written notice to the competition committee at least seven (7) days before the scheduled evaluation.
Yes. You may submit for the Round 1 of the competition. If chosen as finalist, you need to submit the full manuscript.
Yes. All papers within the competition scope and coverage can be submitted.
Yes. You may submit studies conducted from 2022 to 2023.
All authors should appear in the panel interview except for the advisor or mentor when included as co-author.
For further queries, you can send email to irc@iiari.org or send WhatsApp message to (+63) 916 387 3537.
Committee Members
Dr. Chong Kim Mee
Chairman
Dr. Manuel O. Malonisio
Co-chairman
Dr. Seema Varshney
Oman
Dr. Ariel E. San Jose
Philippines
Dr. Amir Rezaei
Iran
Ei Phyo Khaing
Myanmar
Dr. Andro T. Tabiolo
Philippines
Wai Wai Than
Myanmar
Marilou O. Montiflor
Philippines
Ts. Dr. Hamizah Mokhtar
Malaysia
Debbie Butch R. Pequeña
Philippines
Dr. Kimouche Bilal
Algeria
Dr. Helmer B. Montejo
Philippines
Saifullahi Adam Bayero
Nigeria