ICAAI2026 High-School Research Competition

ICAAI2026 High-School Research Competition
RULES AND GUIDELINES

BACKGROUND

Designed to showcase outstanding high-school research in agriculture, food, and agro-industry, this competition is held as part of The 5th International Conference on Agriculture and Agro-Industry (ICAAI     2026) under the theme “Globalizing Agri-Food Systems for Sustainability and Well-Being.”
The competition invites high-school students conducting independent research related to agriculture, food innovation, postharvest and packaging technology, nutraceutical and functional food, food security, sustainability, and agrifood logistics to present their work in an international academic forum. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their research, receive feedback from experts, and network with academic and industry professionals.

 

PURPOSE

  1. Encourage and stimulate interest in high-school research related to agriculture, food science, agro-industry, and sustainable agri-food systems.
  2. Provide an opportunity for students to present their original research through poster or oral presentation at an international conference.
  3. Promote knowledge exchange and collaboration among students, researchers, and industry in areas aligned with the ICAAI     2026 theme on sustainability, food security, and well-being.
  4. Develop students’ scientific communication, critical thinking, and professional skills for future careers in agri-food and related industries.
  5. Inspire the next generation of researchers to contribute to global sustainable agriculture and food system development.

 

SCHEDULE

31/5/2026                                        Research Concept Submissions Deadline
30/6/2026                                        Acceptance Notification
15/12/ 2026                                    Final Poster File Submission (Camera-ready)
17/12/2026                                     Final Competition Event (Poster Rounds)

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • The competition is open to students currently enrolled in senior high-school (Grades 10–12 / M4–M6) or equivalent, and vocational certificate programs (Por Wor Chor) who are conducting independent research projects.
  • Applications must be submitted in teams consisting of 3 students and 1 teacher, with no limit on the number of teams per institution.
  • Originality: All submissions must constitute original research work conducted independently by the participating students and must not have previously received awards from any competition.
  • Plagiarism or submission of previously published work is strictly prohibited.
  • Submission Format: Each submission must clearly specify the names of all student authors, the affiliated high school, and the name of the academic advisor or supervising teacher.
  • The supervising teacher must be responsible for submitting the work on behalf of the team.
  • Interested students may submit their applications via the website: https://icaai2026.mfu.ac.th/register (All members of the team must complete the conference registration in advance before the submission of the work is allowed.)
  • Payment of the registration fee is required only after the Research Concept has successfully passed the review process in the First Round of the Competition.

 

FIRST ROUND OF THE COMPETITION – RESEARCH CONCEPT SUBMISSION

The competition begins with the submission of a Research Concept. The submission must clearly present the research problem statement, methodology, and expected impact. The Research Concept must be prepared in English, in the form of an infographic on A4 size, using the official template (Click to download the Research Concept template).

All submissions will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below and ranked according to the competition regulations. A panel of three experts will review all research concepts and select 20 qualified submissions to proceed to the final round of the competition.

 

Judging Criteria
Criterion Points
Problem and motivation 20 points
Methodology 20 points
Innovation/Creativity 20 points
Impact / Expected outcome 20 points
Feasibility / Utilization 20 points
Total 100 points

 

FINAL ROUND OF THE COMPETITION – POSTER SESSION

Poster Presentation

Authors whose concepts are accepted will be invited to participate in the final round of the competition, which will be held 17 Dec 2026 during the 5th International Conference on Agriculture and Agro-Industry (ICAAI 2026), The Heritage Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Participants must upload the camera-ready poster file before the deadline. Each team is required to print their own poster and bring it to the ICAAI     2026 Conference. Printed posters must fit on a board measuring 80 cm (height) × 120 cm (width) provided by the ICAAI 2026 conference. The poster size must not exceed these dimensions and does not need to cover the entire board. All text and images must be in high resolution and clearly visible from a short viewing distance.

Posters will be judged based on the criteria listed below. The judges will review the posters and engage in discussion with the participants to better understand the research. The evaluation will focus on the novelty and significance of the research, as well as the quality of the presentation, including the poster design and the clarity of explanation. Based on this evaluation, the judges will select outstanding participants for recognition.

Each team will be given seven (7) minutes for the presentation, followed by an additional five (5) minutes for questions and answers in English. The judging panel will consist of five judges (three academic experts and two representatives from the private sector). The presentation should clearly describe the research scope, study methodology and design, results, and the significance of the findings.

 

Judging Criteria
Criterion Points
Poster presentation / Skill 20 points
Innovation/Creativity 20 points
Result and Discussion 20 points
Significance of contribution / Align to theme of ICCAI 2026 20 points
Feasibility / Utilization 20 points
Total 100 points

 

PRIZES AND AWARDS

The top three winners will be recognized during the ICAAI2026 Conference and will receive prizes of 3,500 Baht, 2,500 Baht, and 1,500 Baht, respectively, along with award plaques sponsored by ICAAI2026. In addition, Judges’ Favorite Awards will also be presented. These awards will be selected by international judges.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact:
Dr. Damrongpol Kamhangwong
School of Agro-Industry, Mae Fah Luang University
333 Moo 1, Tha Sut, Mueang District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Tel: +66 53 916737
E-mail: academic.icaai2026@mfu.ac.th