This year’s competition asks, “How can physics make your home ready for the future?”
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has today opened entries for The Eurekas 2026, its national physics competition for young people aged 11–16 across the UK and Ireland.
Now in its fifth year, the competition challenges students to explore this year’s theme: “How can physics make your home ready for the future?”
From cleaner energy and smarter technology to sustainable materials and healthier living spaces, The Eurekas invites 11–16-year-olds to apply physics to the place they know best — home — and imagine how science can shape tomorrow.
Open to individuals and small groups, the competition encourages creativity and scientific thinking. So, entries can be of any kind of format, including: short videos (up to 90 seconds), written pieces (up to 600 words), artwork, models or design concepts.
All entries must clearly connect to physics and be submitted online by a parent, carer or teacher via the competition website.
Prizes include a top award of £1,000/€1,200, two runners-up prizes of £500/€600, and additional awards across age categories. Every participant will receive a digital certificate celebrating their achievement.
Previous years have seen imaginative and inspiring entries exploring physics, including how physics shapes the way different animals perceive the world, how aerodynamics helps bowlers control the movement of a cricket ball, and how physics, music, and ballet show how science and art can work together.
Sarah Bakewell, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Institute of Physics, said: “Today, young people are already thinking about the future — from how climate change matters to them, to how technology plays a role in their lives.
“The Institute of Physics’ Eureka competition gives young people the chance to turn those ideas into actual solutions; creative, physics-powered and usually quite brilliant!
“Physics is for everyone – and young people from every background can use science to shape their future. Whether it’s designing smarter homes, improving energy efficiency or reimagining everyday objects that make a difference to how we live, we cannot wait to see how young people can use physics to have their very own Eureka moment!”
The competition is free to enter.
Full details, inspiration from previous submissions and entry guidance can be found at theeurekas.co.uk, with entries submitted via theeurekas.co.uk/submit.
Entries are now open and the closing date for submissions is Monday, 8 June 2026.