About
What is The Entente Cordiale Day Challenge?
The Entente Cordiale University Challenge ...
...is a student and alumni-led initiative that invites students from UK- and French-based academic institutions to engage in an academic competition to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. It was first initiated by in 2024 by a group of students and alumni of Science Po and the London School of Economics. Open to students of any discipline and study level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, or Doctorate), this competition encourages interdisciplinary collaboration in the creation of international solutions.
Each year, participating teams receive a broad theme, such as climate change, public health, or international security, to analyze and develop forward-thinking recommendations.
The resulting research report must be 10 to 15 pages long, formatted in A4 with 12-point font and 1.5 line spacing. Reports are assessed based on four equally weighted criteria: the robustness of research, clarity and organization, quality of arguments, and innovation in solutions.
UK Universities Participating in 2024
The Criteria
These assessments consider effective sourcing, logical structuring, clear articulation, and creative solutions to the challenge presented. The written research report is due the 31st of January, 2025.
Teams of three students from the same institution. In the spirit of the Entente Cordiale Day, creating teams with interdisciplinary academic backgrounds is encouraged, but not necessary.
Each team member must complete a short application on our How to Apply tab outlining their motivations and vision for participation A maximum of twelve teams will be selected for each Institution, with a maximum of 60 groups competing per country.
The first step in participating in this challenge is forming a team and applying for consideration.
Apply for your team to be considered as a representative of your University between the 1st and 15th of November, 2024 on our How to Apply page.
After the 15th of November, University team selections will be made.
If your team is selected to represent your University you may begin to research and write your report, which will be due the 31st of January, 2025. These reports will be made anonymous and given to a preliminary jury of the Entente Cordiale Prize Association for final prize consideration.
The Prizes
Hartfield House, UK
Château de Breteuil in France
Winning teams will be celebrated at the prestigious Annual Gala Dinner on 8 April 2025.
Alternating annually between Hatfield House in the UK and Château de Breteuil in France, the gala brings together Franco-British leaders to recognize outstanding academic achievement and cross-cultural collaboration.
April 8th Ceremony
Entente Cordiale Day Prizes
5th Prize: Entente Cordiale Friends’ Prizes
4th Prize: Entente Cordiale Signatories’ Prizes
3rd Prize: Entente Cordiale Warriors’ Prizes
2nd Prize: Entente Cordiale Centenary’s Prize
1st Prize: Entente Cordiale Founders’ Prize
Further Prizes for Winners Include...
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A scholarship and special gifts
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Certificates signed by the Entente Cordiale Association and its partners
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Exclusive visits to historically significant venues
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Presentation at National Landmarks - In June, winning teams would also have the unique opportunity to present their findings to the Private Secretary to His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and to the Chief of Staff to the French President at Élysée Palace.