Calling Applications for Science Research Projects Competition 2026 (Sri Lanka)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2026 invites students in Grades 9–12 from government and private schools to submit original science research proposals. Selected projects will receive scientific guidance, technical support, and reimbursement funding of up to LKR 50,000 to conduct approved research activities.

The competition aims to encourage young researchers, strengthen scientific thinking, and provide school students with opportunities to conduct authentic research projects across multiple science disciplines.

What is the Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2026?

The Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2026 is a research-based competition organised by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote scientific innovation among school students.

The programme supports students in Grades 9–12 to design and conduct original research projects under expert supervision. It encourages students to explore scientific questions, develop research skills, and contribute to knowledge creation.

Unlike demonstration-based activities, SRPC focuses on real scientific research involving investigation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis.

Objectives of SRPC 2026

The competition aims to:

Encourage scientific curiosity among school students
Develop research and problem-solving skills
Promote innovation and experimentation
Introduce students to scientific methods and ethical research practices
Support future scientists and researchers
Connect students with expert scientific mentors

Eligible Research Areas

Students can submit research proposals in a wide range of scientific disciplines, including:

Animal Sciences
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Chemical Energy
Physical Energy
Biomedical and Health Sciences
Chemistry
Physics and Astronomy
Materials Science
Mathematics
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Microbiology
Plant Sciences
Biochemistry
Translational Medical Science
Environmental Engineering

Students are encouraged to select research topics that involve investigation, experimentation, and scientific analysis.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The competition is open to:

Students studying in Grades 9–12
Students from government schools
Students from private schools

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

The project must be conducted by eligible school students
Projects can be completed individually or as a group
Group projects can include a maximum of three students
All group members must meet the age eligibility requirements
Each student can participate in only one research project
Schools can submit multiple research projects

Research Project Requirements

Projects submitted to SRPC 2026 must be original research studies.

Eligible projects should include:

A clear research question
Scientific methodology
Data collection and analysis
Experimental or investigative work
Research-based conclusions

The following project types are not accepted:

Demonstration projects
Library research projects
Informational projects
Explanation models
Kit-building projects

Ethical and Safety Requirements

Research involving sensitive subjects or materials must follow ethical and safety standards.

Ethical clearance is required for projects involving:

Human participants
Vertebrate animals used as experimental subjects
Genetically modified organisms
Hazardous chemicals
Potentially risky research methods

The NSF encourages students to use:

Non-animal research methods
Alternative scientific approaches
Safe and ethical research practices

Prohibited Research Activities

The following research activities are not allowed:

Research involving Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) or Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) organisms
Culturing Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
Research involving genetically engineered bacteria with multiple antibiotic resistances

These restrictions ensure student safety and responsible scientific practices.

Research Supervision and NSF Support

Students will conduct their projects under the guidance of an appointed principal supervisor.

The NSF will support participants by:

Connecting students with qualified scientific supervisors
Providing technical guidance
Supporting teachers involved in project development
Helping students successfully complete research activities

The principal supervisor will oversee project implementation and approve project-related expenses.

Funding Support for Selected Projects

Projects selected for Step I of SRPC 2026 will receive reimbursement support.

Funding details:

Maximum reimbursement: LKR 50,000 per project

Eligible expenses must:

Be directly related to project activities
Have certified receipts
Be approved by the principal supervisor
Be submitted through the school principal

Reimbursement Conditions

Students and schools must follow these requirements:

Receipts must be issued in the name of the school
Expense claims must include certified proof of payment
Reimbursement requests must be submitted within three months after project completion
Requests must be forwarded through the school principal

Project Duration Requirements

Research projects must meet the following timeline conditions:

Project duration must be less than six months
Projects must start during or after January 2026
Projects started before January 2026 will not be considered

How to Apply for SRPC 2026

Students should follow these steps:

Step 1: Select a Research Topic

Choose a scientific research area aligned with the competition themes.

The topic should:

Address a research question
Include original investigation
Be achievable within six months

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

Prepare the proposal according to NSF guidelines.

The proposal should include:

Research title
Background and objectives
Research methodology
Expected outcomes
Timeline
Required resources

Step 3: Submit Through the School

The completed proposal should be submitted according to NSF instructions through the applicant’s school.

Step 4: Conduct Research Under Supervision

Selected students will complete their projects with support from NSF-appointed supervisors and follow approved research procedures.

Step 5: Submit Reports and Expense Claims

Students must maintain project records and submit reimbursement documents after completion.

Why SRPC 2026 Matters for Students

The competition provides students with early exposure to scientific research and innovation.

Benefits include:

Hands-on research experience
Scientific mentorship
Development of analytical skills
Understanding of research ethics
Opportunity to explore future STEM careers
Experience presenting scientific findings

SRPC helps create a strong foundation for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Students should avoid:

Submitting projects that are only demonstrations
Choosing topics without a clear research question
Starting projects before January 2026
Ignoring ethical approval requirements
Exceeding the three-member group limit
Submitting incomplete proposals
Keeping receipts that are not issued in the school’s name

Tips for a Strong SRPC Proposal

Students can improve their proposals by:

Selecting a focused and achievable research problem
Explaining the scientific importance of the study
Using proper research methods
Considering environmental and ethical impacts
Creating a realistic project timeline
Seeking guidance from teachers and experts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can participate in SRPC 2026?

Students studying in Grades 9–12 from government and private schools are eligible to participate.

2. Can students participate as a group?

Yes. Group projects are allowed with a maximum of three students. All members must meet eligibility requirements.

3. What types of projects are accepted?

Only original research projects are accepted. Demonstrations, library research, informational projects, explanation models, and kit-building projects are not eligible.

4. How much funding is available for selected projects?

Selected Step I projects can receive reimbursement support of up to LKR 50,000 for approved expenses.

5. Are ethical approvals required?

Yes. Ethical clearance is mandatory for projects involving humans, vertebrate animals, genetically modified organisms, hazardous chemicals, or risky methodologies.

6. Can students start projects before applying?

No. Projects started before January 2026 will not be considered.

7. Can one student submit multiple projects?

No. Each student can participate in only one research project.

Conclusion

The Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2026 provides an important platform for school students in Sri Lanka to experience real scientific research. Through expert supervision, research funding, and technical support from the National Science Foundation, students can develop innovative solutions and build skills that support future careers in science and technology.