The European Commission launched a contest to promote the ideals of co-operation and interchange between young scientists. It is also aimed to strengthen the efforts made in each participating country to attract young people to careers in science and technology.

The 2011 EU Contest for Young Scientists is already launched by the European Commission. Young scientists from all over Europe can now apply for the contest presented their innovative ideas. The Contest is the annual showcase of the best of European student scientific achievement and gives students the opportunity to compete with the best of their contemporaries at European level. This edition is taking place in Helsinki, whereas last edition was organised in Lisbon. In addition, the Commission seeks to strengthen the efforts made in each participating country to attract young people to careers in science and technology.

The EU Contest for Young Scientists accepts project entries from all fields of scientific endeavour. Only projects that have been nominated by the National Organiser in each participating country are admissible. Contestants shall provide a written project, and a project suitable for display in a public exhibition. Each project consists of a technical written report and display materials, models, etc. Each country may submit up to 3 projects, with a maximum of 6 contestants (aged between 14 and 21). At the Contest, the contestants set up their project in a display stand in the Science Exhibition Hall and are required to answer questions from members of the scientific jury. The Science Exhibition is open to the public and contestants are encouraged to explain their projects.

The contestants compete on the basis of their work and interviews with the Jury for nine Core Prizes. Additionally to this, a limited number of Honorary Awards and Special Donated Prizes are also awarded to the contestants where, in the judgement of the jury, they would benefit from the specific experiences that these prizes offer. The core prizes are three First Prizes worth €7000 each; three Second Prizes worth €5000 each; and three Third Prizes worth €3500 each.