WPA Medical Students Essay Competition 2025 Winners Announced

World Psychiatric Association announces the winners of their 2025 Medical Student Essay Competition who will receive a Travel Award to attend the 25th WPA World Congress of Psychiatry in Prague, Czech Republic

The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 4th Annual Medical Student Essay Competition. This initiative is supported by the United Nations Secretariat – Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development Goals, and the WPA Medical Students Special Interest Group.

This year’s theme, “Reducing Inequalities and Promoting Inclusion to Improve Mental Health,” invited medical students from around the world to submit essays proposing innovative ways to advance mental well-being by addressing disparities—aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #10.

Submissions were received from 93 medical schools across 38 countries spanning six continents, showcasing a truly global perspective on mental health equity.

The selection process was rigorous following an adapted version of the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) criteria which judges focus, clarity, academic rigor, structure, clarity, originality, and the ability to synthesise complex information.

Judging panel included thirteen zonal representatives (Gary Chaimowitz, Chawanun Charnsil, Valsamma Eapen, Kostas Fountoulakis, Vinay Kumar, Amine Larnout, Ramune Mazaliauskene, Nikolay Negay, Bernardo Ng, Yong Chon Park, Rodrigo Rojas, Thelma Sanchez, Johannes Wancata), as well as Muhammad Waqar Azeem, Chair of the WPA Special Interest Group on Medical Students, Howard Liu, Co-Chair of the WPA Special Interest Group on Medical Students, and Danuta Wasserman (President, WPA).

The judging panel was deeply impressed by the innovative approaches and comprehensive analyses presented in the essays. The submissions demonstrated a profound understanding of how mental health intersects with various aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #10. The global interest in the competition underscores the critical need to integrate mental health into broader discussions on sustainable development, highlighting its essential role in achieving a healthier and more equitable world.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the 10 finalists, whose exceptional essays made this competition a true celebration of literary talent (in alphabetical order, by last name):

After careful deliberation, the winners of the 2025 WPA Medical students’ essay competition are Lucy Stiles from Kings College London, UK and Elijah Kawinga from Mulungushi University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Zambia

Lucy Stiles

Elijah Kawinga

Both winners will receive travel awards and complimentary registration to attend the 2025 World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP) in Prague, taking place from October 5–8. Their winning essays will be translated into all six WHO official languages - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish - and featured on the WPA website.

Why This Matters?

The WPA proudly recognises the insight and leadership of these future healthcare professionals. Their essays underscore the critical links between inclusion, equity, and mental health - cornerstones for building resilient and sustainable communities worldwide.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who participated and contributed their perspectives. We also invite the public to follow the upcoming World Congress of Psychiatry, where these winning ideas will take center stage.

Author: Prof. Muhammad Waqar Azeem, Prof. Howard Liu, Prof. Thelma Sanchez, Prof. Danuta Wasserman