Official DPRTE 2021 event partner, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), has launched a quest to uncover visions of the future from the brightest student minds in the UK.
Entrants must answer the question: what do you believe to be the future threats or opportunities facing UK defence and security over the next 25 years?
The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students currently based at UK academic institutions, and the deadline has been extended to the end of July 2021.
The five finalists will be invited to (virtually) present their essay to a panel of senior current and former government officials, before the final winner is revealed.
The winner will receive £250 prize and the top 5 will receive certificates of commendation.
The top 10 essays may be published in a journal style publication.
How to enter
Essays should be submitted to: futuresessaycompetition@dstl.gov.uk
The competition closes on 31 July 2021 and the virtual presentation and announcement of winners will take place in June.
All entrants who place within the top 10 will be asked to submit a picture of their student ID for verification.
Essay guidance
Topic: what do you believe to be the future threats or opportunities facing UK defence and security over the next 25 years?
Essays can focus on a particular theme or act as an opinion piece.
Suggested themes include, but are not limited to:
- emerging technology and the legal, ethical, technical, moral or policy implications
- societal reactions to advancements in technology or changes in policy
- how does technology affect policy or industry
- emerging misuse of technology
- individual privacy
- strategic advantage and competition
- prosperity and economic strength
- alliances and international relations
- global norms across all domains (including cyber and space) digital freedoms
- pandemic and future policy
- data technology
There is a 2000 word limit (10% allowance).
All essays must follow standard academic rigour and use either Harvard or Chicago referencing styles.
Essays must include a title and abstract (not included in the word count). The abstract should include key themes and arguments.
Essays will be marked based on the following weighting:
| Marks allocated to | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Academic rigour | 15% |
| Originality of thought | 25% |
| Credibility and relevance of topic | 25% |
| Use of real world case studies | 15% |
| Engaging writing | 20% |
Dstl is an official DPRTE 2021 event partner
Taking place at Farnborough International on June 23rd with elements of the event streamed online, DPRTE 2021 is the UK’s leading defence procurement and supply chain event.
For all involved within buying for or supplying to the defence sector, it’s an unmissable opportunity to hear from and engage with industry leaders, influencers and stakeholders.
To register today as a delegate, follow this link.
To take advantage of exhibitor or sponsor opportunities, please click here.
With DPRTE 2021’s Booking Confidence Guarantee you can now prepare to join the UK’s defence procurement community at DPRTE 2021.
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DPRTE DPRTE 2021 Dstl future threats and opportunities competition
Post written by: Matt Brown
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