Debate Competition
Where evidence is challenged and arguments are put to the test.
This year’s debate
One question. Two perspectives.
Medicine is shaped not only by the answers we find, but by the questions we are willing to examine from more than one perspective. One Pro team and one Con team meet in a final academic debate centred on a single scientific motion, where every argument must stand up to scrutiny.
Pro
One team argues in favour of the motion, building its case from the evidence that supports it.
Con
One team argues against it, examining the same question from the opposing scientific perspective.
This year’s motion
To be revealed
The official Debate topic will be unveiled at a later stage through IMSCB’s official communication channels.
From position to debate.
The journey begins long before the teams take the stage. Each application is built around a scientific position, developed through evidence and evaluated for the strength of the reasoning behind it.
Form your team
Apply as a team of two participants. Both members must hold valid IMSCB Participant accounts and have completed the payment procedure for their selected packages before submitting the Position Form.
Take your position
Each team is assigned one of the two sides of the motion — Pro or Con — and develops its case from that perspective.
Submit your Position Form
Develop a 450–500 word scientific argument in defence of your assigned position, grounded in 3–5 relevant scientific references. One member submits the form on behalf of the team and provides the full details of the second member.
Earn your place in the final Debate
All eligible Position Forms are evaluated by a dedicated Debate Jury. The highest-scoring Pro team and the highest-scoring Con team advance to the final Debate at IMSCB.
Build the argument before you defend it.
The Position Form is the foundation of the selection process. It should demonstrate not only knowledge of the scientific topic, but the ability to transform evidence into a clear, coherent and compelling line of argument.
Applications open 8 November 2026 and close 17 January 2027, 23:59 EET (UTC+2).
Team information
Full names of both team members and their academic affiliation.
Position statement
A concise introduction to the team’s assigned position and overall perspective.
Main argumentation
A structured development of the arguments supporting the assigned position, grounded in scientific reasoning and relevant evidence.
Conclusion
A concise reinforcement of the team’s position and the key reasoning behind it.
References
3–5 relevant scientific sources supporting the arguments presented.
450–500
Words. References are not included in the word limit.
3–5
Relevant scientific references supporting the argument.
Two teams will take the floor.
Each eligible Position Form is assessed by a dedicated Debate Jury.
Pro
The highest-scoring Pro team advances to the final Debate.
Con
The highest-scoring Con team advances to the final Debate.
The Position Form is used exclusively for team selection
Its score will not contribute to the final result of the Debate Competition.
From application to the final Debate.
Five dates carry a team from the first application to the moment it takes the floor.
8 November 2026
Registration opens
Applications for the Debate Competition officially open.
17 January 2027, 23:59 EET (UTC+2)
Position Form submission deadline
Submit the final Position Form and required scientific references before the announced deadline.
30 January 2027
Selection results
The selected Pro team and Con team advancing to the final Debate will be announced.
3 March 2027, 23:59 EET (UTC+2)
Visual support deadline
Selected teams must submit their final visual support according to the technical requirements communicated by the Organising Committee.
At IMSCB 2027
Final Debate
The selected Pro team and Con team meet for the final Debate as part of the Congress programme. Further details regarding the date, time and venue will be announced through the official IMSCB communication platforms.
Let the evidence strengthen the argument.
Selected teams may use visual support to reinforce the scientific evidence and reasoning behind their position. Visual material should remain focused, clear and directly relevant to the argument being developed, supporting the discussion rather than replacing it.
Submission deadline
3 March 2027, 23:59 EET (UTC+2)
The version submitted before the deadline will be considered the final version to be used during the Debate.
Enter the Debate prepared to defend every argument.
Teams are expected not only to present a position, but to defend its foundations, engage with opposing arguments and respond with precision under scrutiny.
Arrive prepared
Both team members must arrive at the assigned venue at least 15 minutes before the Debate begins.
Compete as a team
Both selected participants are expected to contribute actively throughout the Debate.
Conducted in English
The Debate, the visual support and all interaction with the Jury are conducted entirely in English.
Respect the format
Teams must follow the established speaking order, timing and structure of each stage of the Debate.
Respond with evidence
Be prepared to challenge opposing arguments, defend your reasoning and respond directly to questions raised during the discussion.
Stay informed
The final schedule, Debate format and all organisational details will be communicated to the selected teams in advance.
The Debate begins with evidence. It is won through argument.
The final Debate is evaluated by a specialised Jury with expertise relevant to the scientific topic under discussion. The result depends exclusively on performance during the Debate.
Scientific accuracy and appropriate use of evidence
Strength and coherence of argumentation
Ability to defend the assigned position
Ability to challenge and respond to opposing arguments
Critical reasoning and depth of analysis
Clarity, precision and effectiveness of communication
Overall performance throughout the Debate
The winning team
The team achieving the highest final Debate score will be declared the winner of the IMSCB Debate Competition.
Selection score does not carry over
The Position Form score used during team selection is not included in the final evaluation.
Awards
Details regarding the awards will be announced in due course through the official IMSCB communication platforms.
Ready to take a position?
Build the case. Defend the evidence. Enter the debate.
Form your team, develop your argument and take on one of the most demanding forms of scientific exchange at IMSCB.
Take a position at IMSCB
Participant registration and the Position Form are handled on the congress platform. Create an account there to apply as a team.