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Hakluyt and Times Literary Supplement Launch the Hakluyt Essay Prize

On July 6, 2026, the renowned strategic advisory firm Hakluyt announced an exciting new initiative: the Hakluyt Essay Prize. This international competition aims to highlight the importance of human insight in an increasingly artificial intelligence-driven world. In partnership with the Times Literary Supplement, the prize seeks to reward independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to argue effectively.

An Invitation to the Young

The competition is open to all young adults aged 30 and under worldwide. Participants will be challenged to reflect on the forces shaping contemporary public and business decision-making. The essays will be evaluated based on the strength of argumentation, writing quality, and the originality of perspectives presented. This focus on critical thought and clarity makes the competition not just a test of writing ability, but also a platform for innovative ideas.

Prize Offerings

The winner of the Hakluyt Essay Prize will receive a generous reward of £5,000, a full year's membership to The London Library, and subscriptions to notable publications like the Times Literary Supplement, The Economist, and Monocle. This combination of prizes aims to provide not just financial backing but also ongoing intellectual engagement for the winner.

Key Dates and Selection Process

Essays must be submitted by September 30, with shortlisted candidates invited to a prizegiving event set for autumn. The judging panel will be composed of notable figures, including Lord William Hague, the former UK Foreign Secretary; Lara Boro, CEO of the Economist Group; Professor Joseph Fuller from Harvard Business School; and Lord Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary. Their extensive backgrounds in political, economic, and academic spheres will ensure a thorough evaluation process.

A Commitment to Insight

Thomas Ellis, the managing partner at Hakluyt, expressed the philosophy behind the prize. He remarked, "In our work at Hakluyt, we recognize daily that the most complex problems require insights that machines cannot provide. They demand discernment, clarity of thought, and the capability to navigate uncertainty. As a firm that values curiosity and diverse perspectives, the Hakluyt Essay Prize embodies our commitment to fostering these traits."

The award aims to champion young scholars who can distill complex ideas into compelling narratives, encouraging them to explore how human judgment and experience can inform decision-making processes.

How to Enter

Submissions for the Hakluyt Essay Prize are now open. Young thinkers worldwide are invited to demonstrate their skills and perspectives on shaping today's world. Interested participants can find further details on the entry process and prize specifics through the official Hakluyt website. The firm looks forward to meeting the talented entries this autumn!

In summary, the Hakluyt Essay Prize promises not only to reward outstanding writing but also to encourage a new generation of thinkers who can navigate the complexities of modern society with clarity and insight.