What our students say
“The EC Challenge offers a truly interdisciplinary research opportunity, something which isn't available in my degree, which has a more multidisciplinary focus. Solutions to the biggest challenges of our future will only be found when we come together, and bring several perspectives and specialisms to the table.”
“I joined the EC University Challenge to contribute to high-impact policy discussions at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and global governance.”
“I believe in the power of proposing and devising new solutions to transnational problems. Taking responsibility to reflect on the challenges and limitations of global concerns is, in my view, the essence of what students should do.”
“Beyond the academic and policy aspects, what excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and learn from Franco-British approaches to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
What our jurors say
“I joined the EC University Challenge to contribute to high-impact policy discussions at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and global governance.”
Fengjie Liu, Advanced Research Fellow at Imperial College London
“The EC Challenge represents a fantastic opportunity for students and potential future leaders to analyse live global challenges and propose credible solutions to them. This is critically important in an ever more turbulent and divided world”
Professor Peter Newell, School of Global Studies University of Sussex
“Having young people work together across borders is essential to navigating the uniquely dangerous challenges of our time. One of the most pressing is preventing global ecological collapse”
Professor Luke Kemp
Research Affiliate with the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge
Become a Competitor
The Entente Cordiale University Challenge is an annual Franco-British, multidisciplinary competition that brings together students to tackle global issues with innovative and forward-thinking solutions.
From October, teams of three students—of any nationality, discipline, or level of study—can apply through their French or British academic institution. The top ten written submissions from each country are selected in February, with finalists invited to present before a Grand Jury during Entente Cordiale Day on April 7–8.
Held alternately in France and the UK, the event features prestigious ceremonies and a gala where the five winning teams from each country are awarded Entente Cordiale Prizes, named after historical champions of Franco-British friendship. Winners also receive scholarships, exclusive visits to host venues, and the opportunity to present their work at the Élysée Palace and Buckingham Palace.
After welcoming 330 participants for the 2025 edition in London on the theme “Climate Change, Biodiversity, and the Developing World,” we look forward to hosting the 2026 Challenge in Paris and at Château de Breteuil.
2026 Registration will open later this year.
Contact us to register interest and receive details about our next online information sessions.
The Entente Cordiale Day Prizes
The Entente Cordiale Day Prizes celebrate exceptional contributions and achievements across a range of disciplines, drawing inspiration from historical figures who have shaped Franco-British relations. These prestigious awards honour the legacy of individuals who have significantly influenced the Entente Cordiale over the past 120 years, reflecting their enduring impact on diplomacy, politics, education, and cultural exchange.
Each year, the prizes are presented by descendants of the individuals for whom the awards are named or by distinguished representatives who embody their values and spirit. In 2025, we were privileged to welcome Captain Durdana Ansari OBE RN (Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy), General Gravêthe (Director of the Musée de l’Armée), The Rt Hon the Lord Soames of Fletching (on behalf of the Churchill family), The Rt Hon the Lord Benyon (Lord-in-Waiting and Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and The Rt Hon the Lord Sharma (COP26 President) as award presenters.
Annual Calendar
Register Your Interest
(June–October)
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Recruitment campaigns in top French and UK academic institutions.
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Registration opens for student teams, highlighting the year’s global theme (e.g., Climate Change and Biodiversity).
Become a University Partner
Initiated by the London School of Economics, which hosted the Entente Cordiale Day 2025 for the finalist oral presentation, the Entente Cordiale University Challenge is open to any academic institution based in France or the UK. Every year, our university partners are invited to the Entente Cordiale Day Closing Ceremony on
April 8th, and to the Alumni Day.
Contact us to register interest
We are proud to count participating students from the following 12 academic institutions below
UK Universities
Oxford University
Cambridge University
The London School of Economics
University College of London
King's College London
Imperial College of London
French Universities
Sorbonne University
Sciences Po Paris
Centrale Supelec Paris
EDHEC Business School
University Paris Dauphine PSL
ESSEC Business School
Become a Juror
We have been overwhelmed by the support of our 2025 Entente Cordial Day Challenge jurors and are looking for additional experts to join our Written Jury ahead of our 2026 edition on
'Conflicts, Technology, and World Security'
You can now register your interest here
Our Written Jury is responsible for selecting the top ten reports in the United Kingdom and France. Two separate jurors assess each report blindly, each providing marks based on a given marking criteria. The marking process takes place in January, followed by a moderation period during which any discrepancies between the two jurors' marks are investigated and reconciled. We estimate the commitment to be around two hours of your time per report, across two months.
The Entente Cordiale University Challenge is an opportunity for experts in the field to help identify the most meritorious research produced by students in the country, and to connect with other experts during our Entente Cordiale Days and associated events. Every year, we welcome all jurors to our events on April 7-8 to meet the Entente Cordiale University Finalists and connect with a network of academic, economic, and political players in France and the UK.