National Essay Competition (NEC)
Showcase your critical thinking and scientific writing skills. Propose innovative microbiological solutions to global sustainability challenges. Open to all S1 and Diploma students from any major.
Organizer: School of Life Sciences and Technology - Science Program (SITH-S), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
Grand Theme
The Great Microbial Odyssey: Decoding the Earth's Dark Matter to Orchestrate a Sustainable Future
Vision & Mission
"To become a leading national platform that empowers young innovators to harness microbial science and biotechnology in creating impactful solutions for a sustainable future."
Mission
- 1.Encourage innovation through microbial science and biotechnology.
- 2.Promote interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable solutions.
- 3.Drive impactful innovations for environmental and public health challenges.
Competition Sub-Themes
Next-Generation Biofuels and Sustainable Energy Systems through Applied Synthetic Biology
Application of synthetic biology and microbial engineering for next-generation biofuels and sustainable energy systems.
Topics Covered
- Bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, biohydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels from biomass, organic waste, renewable resources
- Metabolic pathway engineering
- Fermentation optimization
- Integration of AI and Industry 4.0
- Waste-to-energy systems
- Low-carbon economy transition
Keywords
Microbial Technologies for Green Mining and Resource Recovery
Utilizing microorganisms for sustainable and environmentally responsible mining.
Topics Covered
- Bioleaching, biomining, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR)
- Biocorrosion control
- Acid mine drainage treatment
- Critical metal recovery
- Mining site reclamation
- Digital technologies, sensors, data-driven systems for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact
Keywords
Microbial Innovation for Drug Discovery and Untreated Diseases
Utilizing microorganisms and their derivatives for novel drug candidates and solutions for diseases lacking effective treatment.
Topics Covered
- Antibiotic discovery, bioactive metabolites, microbiome-based therapies
- Bacteriophages, biosynthesis of therapeutic compounds, diagnostics
- Strategies for chronic diseases, drug-resistant infections, neglected tropical diseases
- Biotechnology, public health, treatment accessibility, community-based approaches
Keywords
Complete Timeline
| Activity | Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
Preliminary Stage: Registration & Abstract Submission | 19 July - 31 August 2026 | IMD Official Website |
Semifinalist Announcement | 8 September 2026 | IMD Official Website |
Paper Coaching Session | September 2026 | Zoom Meeting |
Semifinal Stage: Full Paper Submission | 9 - 30 September 2026 | IMD Official Website |
Finalist Announcement | 11 October 2026 | IMD Official Website |
Pitch Deck & Poster Submission | 12-31 October 2026 | IMD Official Website |
Technical Meeting | 7 November 2026 | Zoom Meeting |
Pitching Day | 14 November 2026 | Offline at ITB Ganesha |
Poster Exhibition & Awarding Ceremony | 15 November 2026 | Offline at ITB Ganesha |
Competition Stages
Preliminary Stage
Free of chargeDetails
- •Conducted online.
- •Registration document submission via provided template link.
- •Abstract submission via official IMD 2026 website.
- •Verify documents and wait for announcement on official IMD website.
Requirements
Social Media Requirements:
• Follow @imd.itb and @archaea_itb
• Upload official NEC IMD 2026 twibbon on Instagram, tag @imd.itb, mention at least 3 friends
• Share official NEC IMD 2026 promotional post on Instagram Story
• Share promotional post to 3 WhatsApp group chats
Registration Documents (template available at provided link):
a. Student ID Card (KTM) of all team members
b. Proof of following @imd.itb and @archaea_itb
c. Screenshot of uploaded competition twibbon
d. Proof of sharing promotional post on Instagram Story
e. Proof of sharing promotional post to 3 WhatsApp groups
File Naming: DokumenRegistrasi_TeamName_NEC (If team name >3 words, use only first 3 words. E.g., DokumenRegistrasi_PastiJuarasaSatu_NEC)
Abstract Submission:
• Written entirely in Indonesian
• Maximum length: 1 page
• Word count: 250-300 words
• Structure: Problem statement and proposed idea; Description of proposed idea; Conclusion
• Formatting: A4 paper; margins: left 4cm, top 3cm, bottom 3cm, right 3cm; Times New Roman, 12pt; line spacing 1.0; justified
• Title: Maximum 20 words, Times New Roman 14pt, bold, centered
• Below title: Full names of all team members; Team name; Team leader's email
• Keywords: 3-5 words, alphabetical order (A-Z)
• File format: PDF; file name: Abstrak_TeamName_NEC.pdf
Originality: Must be original, plagiarism-free; not submitted to other competitions; AI only as supporting tool.
Semi-Final Stage
Rp150,000 (includes paper coaching facility)Details
- •Conducted online.
- •Each team submits a Full Paper written in Indonesian.
- •Maximum 10 pages (excluding cover and appendices).
Requirements
Full Paper Structure:
• Cover: Title (max 20 words), NEC IMD 2026 logo, team member names
• Introduction: Background overview explaining problem urgency
• Content: Main ideas, detailed arguments, relevant data, in-depth analysis
• Conclusion: Summary of arguments clearly answering the main objective
• Bibliography: Harvard Style formatting
• Appendices:
- Appendix A: Statement of Originality
- Appendix B: Biodata of team members and supervising lecturer
- Appendix C: Turnitin similarity check screenshot
- Appendix D: Supporting documentation, data, tables, or relevant materials
Assessment Criteria
| Criterion | Weight | Assessment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Idea and Innovation | 25% | Authenticity and novelty; creativity; unique solution-oriented ideas. |
| Analysis and Argumentation | 30% | Depth of analysis; logic and coherence; relevance, applicability, feasibility of solution. |
| Relevance and Contextualization | 20% | Consistency with grand theme and sub-theme; actuality and urgency of the issue. |
| Systematics and Structure | 10% | Logical flow; appropriateness of title in representing content. |
| Format and Grammar | 10% | Compliance with technical writing guidelines; use of standard academic language. |
| Data Quality and References | 5% | Validity of data; credibility and reliability of references. |
Final Stage
Not specifiedDetails
- •Top 10 teams advance to the Final Stage.
- •Conducted offline at ITB Ganesha.
- •All accommodation expenses (lodging and transportation) are NOT covered by the committee.
Requirements
Submit pitch deck/PPT and digital poster design prior to the event.
Teams are responsible for printing and bringing their own physical posters.
Committee provides booth setup and standing panels.
All participants must wear formal attire with their respective university's almamater jacket during the event.
Pitching Day (14 November 2026): Systematically structured oral presentation followed by comprehensive Q&A session with judges.
Exhibition (15 November 2026): Posters displayed at dedicated booths. Interactive public voting mechanism – visitors vote for the most outstanding and favorite booth.
Assessment Criteria
| Criterion | Weight | Assessment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation - Content Delivery | 25% | Clear presentation of material; ability to convey ideas, problem, data, conclusions. |
| Presentation - Systematics | 15% | Systematic and well-organized delivery; time management. |
| Presentation - Visual Aids & Media | 40% | Supporting presentation media (slides) that enhance understanding. |
| Presentation - Argumentation | 25% | Strength and logic of arguments; reinforced by factual evidence and data. |
| Q&A Performance | 20% | Fluency, confidence, accuracy, relevance of responses to judges' questions. |
| Poster - Visual Design and Aesthetics | 35% | Readability (font size, contrast); composition and layout; design creativity. |
| Poster - Content Quality and Message Relevance | 35% | Essay essence summarized effectively; theme relevance; informational strength (factual, accurate, understandable). |
| Poster - Audience Engagement and Public Appreciation | 30% | Number of Instagram likes; audience interaction; direct booth appreciation/voting. |
Awards & Prizes
Winner 1
Cash Prize + Certificate + Plakat
Winner 2
Cash Prize + Certificate + Plakat
Winner 3
Cash Prize + Certificate + Plakat
Best Poster
Cash Prize + Certificate + Plakat
Rules & Regulations
Team composition: 2-3 students per team. One member must be designated as team leader.
All team members must be enrolled at the same university but may come from different majors/faculties.
Each team is allowed to submit only one essay.
Submissions must not contain SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, intergroup), pornography, or any material violating Indonesian law.
Any participant caught cheating or engaging in dishonest behavior will face immediate disqualification.
All submitted manuscripts become the property of the organizing committee and will be utilized exclusively for competition purposes.
Maximum Turnitin similarity: 20%.
All judging results are final and binding.
Payment Procedures
Bank
Bank Jago
Account Number
104614051845
Account Holder
Aditya Ramadhani
All bank transfer fees and currency exchange rates must be borne by participants.
Procedures
- 1.Transfer fees to official IMD accounts based on participant category.
- 2.Submit payment receipt via official IMD portal.
- 3.Receipt/screenshot must clearly display payer's name, exact transfer amount, and transaction date.
- 4.Committee reviews form completeness, document authenticity, and payment validity (1-3 business days).
- 5.Email confirmation sent upon successful approval.
Terms & Conditions
- •Incomplete or incorrect submissions will require document revisions.
- •Transactions without uploaded proof of payment will not be processed.
- •Registration fees are strictly non-refundable unless a special exception is granted by the Organizing Committee.
- •All registrations must be completed exclusively through the official website following provided guidelines.
- •Participants hold full responsibility for the accuracy and correctness of all submitted data.
Official Social Media & Contacts
Instagram Accounts
Main Account
@imd.itb
Archaea Account
@archaea_itb
Contact Persons
Internal Affairs Manager
Sitha (sisithaaa)
Internal Affairs Staff
Cahya (cahyaarunii)
Frequently Asked Questions
Total Prize
Rp 18.000.000+
Certificates
E-Certificate + Trophy
Publication
Opportunity for journal publication
Research Network
Connect with academics