Summit

What is the Summit?
The Scientific Research & Strategy Summit (the Summit) is one of UTSRI’s several national conferences, blending high-level scientific inquiry with dynamic strategic debate.
- Unlike traditional science fairs or Model UNs, the Summit introduces a new competitive format where students tackle pressing scientific issues through research-driven debate, policy design, and crisis response.
- With committees ranging from theoretical physics to bioethics and scientific diplomacy, the Summit challenges delegates to think like scientists and strategists – evaluated not just on rhetoric, but on the depth, accuracy, and innovation of their scientific reasoning.
- Whether you’re a budding researcher, a policy thinker, or an all-around strategist, the Summit offers a platform to lead, challenge norms, and shape the future of scientific dialogue.
The Summit will take place on 26 February to 1 March 2026. More details will be released closer to the date.
Competition Format
What’s the difference between the Summit and a MUN conference?
The Summit combines the intellectual rigor of academic conferences with the energy and structure of competitive debate.
- While it adopts key Model UN elements – like formal debate, caucuses, working papers, and resolutions – the Summit pivots from MUN’s traditional focus on rhetoric. Instead, it emphasizes deep research and scientific precision.
- All delegates must submit a research paper before the conference, analyzing their committee’s assigned topics, which are released in advance.
- Unlike most MUNs, which rarely require in-depth subject knowledge, the Summit demands evidence-based, research-driven argumentation grounded in real data, theory, and innovation.
- A Scientific Review Panel (SRP) evaluates both written submissions and in-session contributions for accuracy, depth, and originality. Awards are determined jointly by the dais and the SRP, recognizing excellence in both diplomacy and scientific thought.
Committee Branches
Policy and Ethics
Explore the political, ethical, and societal dimensions of scientific research and innovation. This branch challenges delegates to critically analyze how science intersects with policy-making, public values, and global responsibilities.
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Crisis Simulation and Management
Step into fast-paced, real-time scenarios where strategic scientific decision-making is crucial. Delegates will navigate urgent challenges, balancing scientific expertise with leadership and crisis management skills.
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Specialized Science
Dive deep into field-specific scientific challenges, cutting-edge technologies, and breakthrough discoveries. This branch focuses on core scientific principles, pressing research questions, and the pursuit of unsolved problems.
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Cross-Disciplinary
Bridge multiple scientific disciplines to address complex, integrative problems. This branch fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and scenario-based problem-solving that transcends traditional scientific boundaries.