Have you written a thesis on young people or youth, or do you know someone who has? The Finnish Youth Research Society is looking for high-quality theses and will reward the best ones with the Youth Research Thesis Awards.
Since 2013, the competition has been divided into two categories: one for universities and another for universities of applied sciences. The theses from universities of applied sciences are also divided into two separate categories, one for Bachelor’s and another for Master’s theses, which alternate each year. In 2021, Bachelor’s theses can be entered into the competition.
The winners in each category will be awarded EUR 1000, and two theses in each category will also receive an honorable mention. The prize-giving will take place in November 2021 during the Annual Conference of Youth Studies.
Theses meeting the below criteria can be entered into the competition:
Universities
The thesis has been accepted as a Master’s thesis at a Finnish university between 1.6.2020 and 30.5.2021 (written in one of the national languages or English) and has received a grade of at least magna cum laude or 4. Theses that have been previously entered may not be re-entered this year.
The discipline of the thesis is not restricted, but it should have a Youth Research approach, meaning that:
- At least one of the central themes of the thesis must be a phenomenon which is important in the lives of young people, its target group should be young people, or it should discuss youth as a phase of life.
- The thesis must have an obvious connection to the current debate on youth research.
Universities of applied sciences
The Bachelor’s thesis has been accepted as a thesis at a Finnish university of applied sciences between 1.6.2019 and 30.5.2021 (written in one of the national languages or English). It has received a grade of at least 4. Theses that have been previously entered may not re-enter this year.
For a thesis to be accepted into the competition it must focus on young people, youth or those working with young people. A phenomenon which has great importance for youth work and/or youth policy, or discussion on developing youth work or youth policy should also be a central theme in the thesis.
In unclear cases the jury appointed by the Board of the Finnish Youth Research Society will decide whether or not a thesis that has been entered meets the above criteria.
Instructions
The thesis must reach the Finnish Youth Research Society by 23.55 pm on Sunday 30th of May 2021. The thesis can be sent in by the author or by his/her supervisor, as long as the author agrees to take part.
The thesis must be sent electronically using a Lyyti-form (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.).
An acknowledgement of receipt will be sent for all emails received.
The following details are to be submitted with the thesis:
- author’s personal and contact details (email address and telephone number)
- name of the institution, the supervisor of the thesis, the grade given to the thesis and the date when it was officially accepted
- abstract
By participating in this competition the authors agree to their theses being archived in the Youth Research library, where they will be available for borrowing, and to the publication of the prize-winning theses on the Finnish Youth Research Society’s website.
Further information
Office Secretary Heta Pulkkinen
Finnish Youth Research Society
tel. +358 44 416 5314
heta.pulkkinen@youthresearch.fi