About the Holberg Prize School Project

Fritjof Sandberg, one of the school prize winners of 2014 with his two teachers at the award ceremony. Photo: Marit Hommedal / NTB Scanpix

The Holberg Prize School Project is a national research competition for students in Norwegian upper secondary schools.

The Holberg Prize School Project was established in 2004 as an initiative to increase understanding and interest for research in the humanities, social sciences, law and theology amongst young students. Each year, around 700 students from 20 selected schools participate in the competition. The projects are part of their regular classes in Norwegian, English, history, sociology and social anthropology, law and religion.The contestants are carrying out self-chosen research projects in cooperation with experienced scholars who help develop the projects.

The School Prize

The three top contributions are awarded prizes of 30 000 NOK, 20 000 NOK and 10 000 NOK respectively, and the winners are invited as guests of honour during the Holberg Week, which takes place in Bergen each year, in June.

The Teacher Prize

The Holberg Prize School Project also awards a prize of 20 000 NOK to the teacher who presents the best educational program initiated as part of the Holberg Prize School Project each year. The aim is to encourage teachers participating in the project to share their experiences with others. The Prize is an acknowledgement of the teacher’s role as an academic resource and source of inspiration in stimulating interest in research amongst the youth.