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 2025, Bachelor’s theses can be entered into the competition.
The winners in each category will be awarded EUR 500, with the possibility of two honorary mentions. The prize-giving will take place during the Annual Conference of Youth Studies in November 2025.
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 1.6.2024 and 13.6.2025 (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 a clear 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 1.6.2023 and 13.6.2025 (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.
- In addition, 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.
Instructions
The thesis must reach the Finnish Youth Research Society at the latest on Sunday 15th of June 2025. 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 with an online Lyyti-form (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.).
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
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. If necessary, the jury reserves the right not to select a winner.
Data protection
By participating in this competition, the author gives their consent to the publication of the thesis on the Finnish Youth Research Society’s website if the thesis is awarded, and to the storage of the information about the thesis in the register of thesis competitions maintained by the Finnish Youth Research Society. The information in the register will not be disclosed to third parties.
Read more about how personal information is used from the privacy policy.
Further information
Tanja Konttinen
Finnish Youth Research Society
tanja.konttinen@nuorisotutkimus.fi
The Finnish Youth Research Society is an association founded in 1987 with the aim of promoting multidisciplinary youth research in Finland and internationally. Membership in the Society is open to people who have studied or are interested in youth research or research considering adolescence.
