ACCESS 2026

ACCESS 2026

National. Virtual. Case Competition.

2026 Theme.

Breaking barriers to health care: proposing new or improved prevention strategies using science, technology, or systems thinking.

Subtopics.

    • Opioid crisis / mental health and substance use

    • Indigenous health care access and equity

    • Family doctor shortage

    • Rising healthcare costs

    • Chronic disease prevention

    • ER wait times

    • Public health and policy

    • Early screening and diagnostics

Register Here

Timeline.

  • Jan 17 — Jan 31

    Team Registration Guidelines

    Team size: 3–5 members allowed.

    Fee: $5 per person.

  • Feb 1 — Feb 28

    Proposal

    Select a subtopic from the research package, or submit a proposed topic for approval.

    Proposal-specific information will be available to teams after registration closure.

  • March 21st

    Pitch-off

    The top 25% of submissions' abstracts will be published free of charge with URNCST.

    The top 25% will also be invited to compete virtually for a chance to win a cash jackpot and other prizes. More information shall be released closer to date.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Still have questions? No worries. It happens. Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

  • 5$ per person in each team.

  • Yes. Since ACCESS 2026 is online, students from different universities and years (undergraduate) can compete alongside you!

  • We understand that circumstances can change; however, registration fees are non-refundable.

  • Proposal Stage:
    Each proposal is evaluated by two independent judges, typically graduate students, to ensure fairness and consistency.

    Presentation Stage:
    Final presentations are assessed by judges with research and applied experience, including graduate students and professionals with relevant subject-matter expertise.

  • URNCST stands for Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology. It is a Canadian, student-run, peer-reviewed platform that supports undergraduate research through publications

    Learn more here: https://www.urncst.com/index.php/urncst/about

  • This year’s topic is Breaking barriers to health care: proposing new or improved prevention strategies using science, technology, or systems thinking. Participants may choose from a range of provided subtopics.

    Additional details and research packages will be available on February 1.

  • The top 25% of submissions’ abstracts will be published through URNCST.

    Additionally, the top 25% of submissions will compete virtually for a chance to win a cash jackpot and other prizes.

  • Results will come out in mid-March.