CHALLENGES
Explore our Current Challenge.
Current Challenge
March Research Challenge: Health Inequality
Submission Deadline: March 31st at 11:59 PM
Format: Research Paper or Literature Review
Word Limit: 2,000 words maximum
Overview
Healthcare access and outcomes remain deeply unequal across communities and nations. From racial and socioeconomic disparities to gaps in mental health services and maternal care, health inequity continues to impact millions.
This month, HEAL invites students to explore a topic related to health inequality through a formal research paper or literature review. Submissions should be grounded in scholarly research and demonstrate critical thinking, analytical depth, and evidence-based reasoning.
All papers will undergo a peer-review process. Accepted submissions will be published on the HEAL website to promote youth-driven research and awareness.
Eligible Topics May Include
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Racial and socioeconomic health disparities
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Global health inequality
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Maternal mortality and reproductive health access
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Environmental health injustice
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Mental health access disparities
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Preventative care and systemic barriers
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Any related topic addressing inequitable health outcomes
Award

First Place Will Receive:
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Featured spotlight on the HEAL website and social media
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$30 gift card of the winner’s choice
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Official endorsement and letter of recommendation (upon request)
Academic Support
To support participants in developing strong research skills, HEAL is partnering with MARS (Medical Association of Research Scholars).
MARS will host two virtual research seminars during March, covering:
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Selecting a focused research topic
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Conducting academic database research
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Structuring and organizing a literature review
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MLA citation formatting
Students interested in attending must complete the seminar registration form.
Seminar Dates
March 14th at 6:30 PM (EST)
March 21st at 6:30 PM (EST)
Submission Requirements
To be considered, all submissions must:
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Be a maximum of 2,000 words
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Follow MLA format
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12-point Times New Roman
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Double-spaced
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1-inch margins
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Include proper in-text citations
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Include a Works Cited page
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Reference at least 5 scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journals preferred)
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Be submitted as a PDF document
First-Place Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for first place, students must:
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Be a member of the HEAL Slack community
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Follow HEAL on Instagram or TikTok
