4th National Competition for the Best Theses in the Field of National Security, Defence, and the Defence Industry

Alioth Foundation announces the 4th National Competition for the Best Theses in the Field of National Security, Defence, and the Defence Industry.

The Competition is open to bachelor’s / engineering, master’s, and doctoral theses defended in the academic years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. The deadline for submitting entries is 15 January 2026.

The Competition is held under the honorary patronage of the Head of the National Security Bureau. The partner of this year’s edition is ICEYE, a global leader in the design and production of Earth observation systems based on satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

Three prizes are planned for the best theses:

• First prize – 7,000 PLN

• Second prize – 5,000 PLN

• Third prize – 3,000 PLN

Additional distinctions of up to 5,000 PLN may also be awarded.

Competition submissions, titled “Alioth Competition”, should be sent by e-mail to foundation@aliothgroup.pl. Each submission must include:

• one electronic copy of the thesis, compliant with the requirements set out in the Competition Regulations (DOC, DOCX, or PDF format),

• a scanned copy of the completed and signed application form, in accordance with Annex No. 1 to the Regulations (PDF format),

• a summary of the thesis specifying its aim, main assumptions, and general conclusions – maximum 1,800 characters including spaces (DOC, DOCX, or PDF format),

• a scanned document confirming the award of the relevant academic title or degree (for doctoral theses), based on the thesis submitted to the Competition – e.g., diploma, university certificate, or an equivalent document (PDF format),

• the author’s biographical note – maximum one page (PDF format),

• a scanned copy of the completed and signed consent for personal data processing, in accordance with Annex No. 3 to the Regulations (PDF format).

All attachments are available for download on the Foundation’s website. The Competition results will be announced by 15 March 2026.

Since 2022 – across the previous editions – more than 150 theses from universities across Poland have been evaluated. Each new edition attracts an ever-growing number of young researchers interested in security studies. The total prize pool has amounted to over 50,000 PLN.

Further information can be found on the Alioth Foundation website: https://foundation.alioth.group/pl/aktualnosci/konkurs-af