Compete & Publish
Research. Interpret. Compete. Publish.
HERA Nexus Compete & Publish is an intellectual competition platform where students transform research, observation, creativity and professional insight into high-quality written or visual work - a whitepaper, research paper, case study, anthology contribution, visual journal or evidence-based essay.
6 Challenges. Find Your Fit
Grab opportunities worth $5000 USD
Prizes & value additions await our Champions, Winners, and Best Presenters
AI Impact Whitepaper Series
Examine how artificial intelligence is changing the world around us. Participants develop a substantive whitepaper analysing an AI-related opportunity, challenge, application, policy issue or emerging impact.
Participants Profile – Area of Interest
AI | Technology | Management | Education | Law | Healthcare | Business | Social Sciences
Suggested Areas
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AI in education
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Responsible AI
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AI and employment
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AI governance
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AI in healthcare
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AI-enabled business
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Human-AI collaboration
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AI and society
Suggested Structure
Executive Summary → Context → Evidence → Analysis → Emerging Issues → Proposed Framework/Response → Recommendations → Conclusion → References
Evaluation
Research Quality | AI Understanding | Originality | Analytical Depth | Practical Recommendations | Publication Quality
Future of Micro-Credentials Research
Research the changing architecture of qualifications and skills. Participants investigate how micro-credentials, digital credentials, modular qualifications and alternative certifications may influence education and employment.
Potential Themes
Stackability | Employer Acceptance | Credential Portability | Quality Assurance | Lifelong Learning | Skills Verification | Digital Credentials
Research Formats
Primary research, secondary research, comparative analysis, policy analysis or mixed approaches may be accepted according to the announced brief.
Evaluation
Research Question | Literature/Evidence | Methodology | Analysis | Originality | Education/Employment Implications | Presentation
Strategic Foresight Case Study
Study tomorrow before it becomes today. Participants examine an organisation, sector or strategic issue using futures-thinking and foresight methods.
Participants Profile – Area of Interest
Strategy | Management | Economics | Public Policy | Technology | Business | Entrepreneurship
Expected Components
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Case context
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Strategic question
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Drivers of change
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Emerging trends
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Weak signals
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Critical uncertainties
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Future scenarios
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Strategic implications
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Recommended actions
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Early warning indicators
Recommended Length
Normally 3,000–5,000 words, unless otherwise announced.
Evaluation
Case Quality | Evidence | Foresight Methodology | Scenario Development | Strategic Insight | Publication Readiness
Change Management Anthology
Capture how organisations actually change. Participants research and document compelling organisational transformation cases and the lessons emerging from them. Outstanding selected contributions may be considered for inclusion in a HERA-curated anthology or related publication format.
Suitable Themes
Leadership Transition | Digital Transformation | Culture Change | Restructuring | Technology Adoption | Academic Transformation | Workforce Change | Crisis-Led Transformation
Recommended Length
2,500–4,000 words
Expected Structure
Context → Need for Change → Resistance/Challenges → Stakeholders → Intervention → Leadership Response → Outcomes → Lessons → Transferable Framework
Evaluation
Case Quality | Change Insight | Evidence | Stakeholder Analysis | Transferable Learning | Narrative Quality
Visual Expression Journal
Some ideas are better seen than explained. A visual publishing competition allowing students to communicate contemporary ideas through creative visual formats.
Eligible Formats May Include
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Photography
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Illustration
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Graphic storytelling
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Visual essays
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Infographics
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Digital art
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Data visualisation
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Mixed media
Recommended Submission
A coherent collection of approximately 8–15 visual pages/pieces, accompanied by:
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Title
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Artist/creator statement
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Contextual commentary
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Credits
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Source/licensing disclosure
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AI disclosure where applicable
Evaluation
Concept | Originality | Visual Language | Narrative | Interpretation | Technical Quality | Publication Potential
Diversity & Inclusion Essay Series
Write perspectives capable of changing perspectives. Participants produce evidence-based essays examining diversity, accessibility, inclusion, representation and belonging.
Possible Themes
Inclusive Education | Accessibility | Gender Equity | Socioeconomic Inclusion | Disability Inclusion | Neurodiversity | Intercultural Learning | Inclusive Leadership | Workplace Belonging
Recommended Length
2,000–3,500 words
Evaluation
Central Argument | Evidence | Depth | Originality | Practical Implications | Writing Quality
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Research & Publication Integrity: Submissions must be entirely original and free from plagiarism, data manipulation, fabricated citations, or unauthorized copyrighted material.
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Use of AI: Authors must disclose substantive AI tool usage, independently verify all references, and assume full accountability for the final content.
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Originality & Previous Publication: Entries must be previously unpublished, original works, with any material from past academic papers clearly disclosed.
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Evaluation Framework: Submissions are scored on academic substance (60% for originality, research, and analysis) and presentation quality (40% for communication, relevance, and impact).