Nigeria-EU Science & Innovation Days

Your Research. Our Future. Take the Stage.

24th February, 2026 Lagos, Nigeria

The applications are now closed

Thank you to the researchers who submitted their pitch proposals. The jurors are now reviewing the submissions to select the 10 researchers. Only selected researchers will be contacted.

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Your research could change Nigeria.

Can you make people care in two minutes?

If you are a Nigerian Master’s or PhD student working on bold and innovative research, this is your moment.

Ten exceptional Nigerian early-career researchers will take the stage in Lagos on 24 February 2026 at the EU–Nigeria Science & Innovation Day 2026.
Not just to present research, but to ignite curiosity, spark belief, and show why science matters.

This is not a conference paper.
This is a two-minute pitch.

You will explain:

  • What you are working on

  • Why it matters for Nigerian society

  • How it can create real-world impact

Clear. Compelling. Unforgettable.

How it works

Applications will be reviewed by a jury committee of senior Nigerian academics and representatives of the European Union.

Ten researchers will be selected to pitch live at the EU–Nigeria Science & Innovation Day in Lagos.

During the session, the event’s audience and the experts will vote (50:50 weighting).

At the end, three outstanding pitches will be announced and recognised for excellence in science communication.

Why apply?

  • Take the stage at a flagship EU–Nigeria event in Lagos

  • Put your research in front of academics, innovators, policymakers, funders, and partners

  • Connect with collaborators across Nigeria and the EU

  • Build confidence in communicating complex ideas clearly and persuasively

  • Inspire fellow researchers and students

  • Compete for the experts’ and audience’s votes and public recognition

  • Feature on the event website and social media

  • Receive a certificate of participation

  • Benefit from in-kind and/or financial support

Who can apply?

You must:

  • Be a Nigerian Master’s or PhD student in any discipline

  • Be currently based in Nigeria

  • Be enrolled in a Nigeria-recognised university

  • Provide proof of affiliation such as a student ID, enrolment letter, ORCID, supervisor confirmation, or official university email.

  • Be available to pitch in person in Lagos on 24 February 2026

How applications are judged

  • Clarity and relevance of the research (including rationale, methodology, results so far, future perspectives, and potential unmet needs to be addressed through collaborations) (30%)

  • Strength and originality of the pitch summary and script (10%)

  • Potential impact, especially for Nigerian society (30%)

  • Stage of the research in the innovation value chain (10%)

  • Ability to communicate effectively to a broad, non-specialist audience (20%)

How to apply

  • Complete the application form below

  • Deadline: Tuesday 10th February, 2026, 24:00 (Nigerian time)

Pitch like a pro

  • Keep it simple. Speak to people, not peer-review journals.

  • Start with why. What problem are you solving, and why does it matter to Nigeria and Nigerians?

  • Make the impact clear. What difference would your research make if it succeeds?

  • Avoid jargon and acronyms. Use examples, analogies, or a short story.

  • Use a clear structure: Problem, Approach, Outcome, Impact

  • Learn from great communicators. Watch how TED speakers make complex ideas memorable in minutes.

  • Practise relentlessly. Two minutes. Strong opening. Stronger ending.

Your research already matters.

This is your chance to make others feel it.

Section 1

Applicant Information
Last name first, as you would like it displayed publicly
DD/MM/YYYY
Gender:
(WhatsApp preferred)
Email Address:

Section 2

Academic Status & Affiliation
Current Degree Programme:
(e.g. MSc Biology, PhD Engineering)
(e.g. 1st year MSc, 3rd year PhD)
Month/Year

Section 3

Research Information
(Working title)
(Up to 5 words) | Seperate keywords with comma (,)
(Maximum 150 words)
(maximum 100 words)
(Maximum 100 words)
Current Stage of Research:

Section 4

Pitch Information (Science Communication)
Pitch Script (maximum 250 words)
Do you have prior experience presenting research to a non-specialist audience?
(LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, or ORCID)

Section 5

Logistics
Are you available to attend and present in person in Lagos on 24 February 2026?
Do you currently reside in Lagos State?
Would you be available to participate in an online briefing or rehearsal prior to the event?

Section 6

Declaration

Section 7

Data Protection & Consent
Field #51 (copy)
Field #51 (copy) (copy)