World Psychiatric Association announces a Travel Award to attend the 25th WPA World Congress of Psychiatry in Prague, Czech Republic for the winner of its 2025 Medical Student Essay Competition
The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) has launched its eagerly awaited and hugely popular annual Medical Student Essay Competition, a WPA Presidential initiative supported by the United Nations Secretariat – Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development Goals. This competition provides medical students worldwide with a platform to share their insights and innovative solutions on key mental health challenges.
This year’s competition focuses on the crucial theme of “Reducing Inequalities and Promoting Inclusion to Improve Mental Health.” Participants are invited to submit essays of up to 3,000 words, exploring how addressing disparities and fostering inclusivity can contribute to improved mental health outcomes. Submissions should propose concrete, actionable solutions that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reducing Inequalities.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a global framework for
achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. Goal #10, "Reducing Inequalities," is essential in ensuring that no individual is left behind—regardless of age, gender, disability, race, or socioeconomic status—by promoting social, economic, and political inclusion worldwide.
Eligibility and Global Participation
The WPA welcomes medical students from all over the world to participate in this competition. It is an excellent opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals to contribute to the global conversation on mental health and social equity, shaping policies and practices that can drive real change.
Recognition and Prizes
Winners will have the chance to present their ideas on a global stage:
Two winners will each be awarded a Travel Award and Free Registration for the 2025 World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP 2025) in Prague, Czech Republic (5th-8th October 2025).
The winning essays will be translated into all six official languages of the World Health Organization (WHO): Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
The finalists' essays will be featured on the WPA website, showcasing their research and insights to a global audience.
Submission Deadline and Schedule
Deadline for submissions: All essays must be submitted online via the competition’s submission portal by midnight on the 30th of April 2025. Late entries will not be considered.
Announcement of winners: The winners will be announced on the 30th of May 2025.
More information on the 2025 Medical Student Essay Competition can be found here, including all submission requirements and deadlines.
A Commitment to Global Mental Health
This annual competition underscores the WPA’s dedication to addressing global mental health challenges through collaboration with the United Nations and fostering the next generation of medical professionals committed to equity and inclusion.
The WPA President, Prof. Danuta Wasserman, along with the WPA Special Interest Group on Medical Students and the United Nations Secretariat – Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development Goals, eagerly anticipates the insights and proposals that this year’s competition will generate.
We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming the winners to WCP 2025 in Prague!
Author: WPA