Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked about the competition. If your question is not answered here, please contact us via Discord or email.
Can I participate as part of a team?¶
No. The competition is designed as an individual learning and research experience.
One of our primary goals is to help participants develop their own scientific thinking, analytical skills, and research independence. Working individually ensures that every participant has the opportunity to engage directly with the data, develop their own ideas, and take ownership of their learning journey.
That said, we strongly encourage participants to discuss ideas, ask questions, and support one another through our community channels. Participants are welcome to engage with fellow competitors and researchers through the Clematis Discord community:
Discord: https://
I will begin university in September or October 2026. Which category should I compete in?¶
Your category is determined by your educational status on October 31, 2026.
If you have not yet started your undergraduate or post-secondary studies on or before October 31, 2026, you should participate in the High School Category, even if you will begin university later in 2026 or 2027.
I completed my high school studies before October 31, 2026 or am taking a gap year. Can I still participate in the High School Category?¶
Yes.
As long as you have not started your post-secondary education before October 31, 2026, you remain eligible for the High School Category.
This includes students who have completed their high school examinations, graduated from high school, or are currently taking a gap year before beginning university.
I completed my undergraduate degree requirements in July 2026 but will officially graduate or convocate later in the year (e.g., November). Am I eligible for the Undergraduate Category?¶
You are welcome to participate in the competition, but you will not be eligible for undergraduate awards or prizes.
If you completed your final undergraduate course requirements and effectively finished your first undergraduate degree before October 31, 2026, you are considered to have completed your undergraduate studies for the purpose of prize eligibility, regardless of your official graduation or convocation date.
However, if you are on a summer break and have not yet completed all degree requirements—for example, if you still need to complete future coursework in order to graduate—you remain eligible for the Undergraduate Category.
I am in my first year of CEGEP, which is often considered equivalent to Grade 12 in the American system. Am I eligible for the High School Category?¶
We recognize that the Quebec education system is unique, and we aim to design our eligibility criteria in a way that is both flexible and fair across different educational systems.
Pre-University (Academic) CEGEP¶
If you are enrolled in a two-year pre-university CEGEP program leading to the Quebec Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC), you will be considered part of the High School Category throughout the entirety of your two-year program.
This reflects the fact that many universities worldwide view pre-university CEGEP as a transitional stage between secondary and undergraduate education, and completion of the program is generally required before beginning undergraduate studies.
Technical CEGEP¶
If you are enrolled in a three-year technical CEGEP program, your eligibility differs slightly.
You may participate in the High School Category during your first year of the technical CEGEP program. However, once you have begun your second year, you will no longer be eligible for the High School Category.
To be eligible for High School Category prizes, you must not have started your second year of a technical CEGEP program before October 31, 2026.
If you are unsure which category applies to your situation, please contact us via Discord or email at clematis
Can I submit entries to both the Introductory and Advanced tracks, to both Fly and Human tracks, or submit more than one project?¶
Yes. Participants are welcome to submit multiple entries—including submitting to both the Fly Connectomics (Track 1) and Human Connectomics (Track 2) tracks, or submitting projects at both the Introductory and Advanced levels—as long as each submission represents a distinct, significantly different research investigation.
Each eligible submission will be evaluated independently. For prize and award consideration, your highest-scoring eligible entry will be used.
Will participants receive a certificate?¶
Yes. Everyone is welcome to participate and submit an eligible entry, regardless of age or educational level. All participants who submit an eligible entry will receive a Certificate of Participation. Participants who meet the eligibility requirements for either the High School Category or Undergraduate Category will additionally be considered for the corresponding prizes. Award recipients will receive a Certificate of Award and Recognition, along with any prizes associated with their award.
Can I continue developing my project after the competition?¶
Yes. Participants are welcome to continue developing their work after the competition. Depending on the nature and quality of the project, this may include expanding it into a research paper, preprint, journal article, conference presentation, portfolio project, or other scholarly work.
If your work builds upon the competition resources, we kindly ask that you acknowledge and cite the Connectome 2026–2027 Github, the competition handbook (where appropriate), and any mentors or organizers (e.g., Track Chairs or Co-Chairs) who may have helped you. As with any research project, individuals who make significant scholarly contributions should be appropriately acknowledged or, where appropriate and with their agreement, included as co-authors.
May I include this competition on my university, scholarship, or job applications?¶
Yes. Participants may include their involvement in the competition on university, scholarship, internship, job, or other academic and professional applications. The Certificate of Participation or Certificate of Award may serve as supporting documentation where appropriate.
How should I cite datasets, software, tools, images, or other resources used in my project?¶
Participants should provide appropriate credit for any external resources used in their work, including datasets, software, online tools, images, figures, and academic literature. Where possible, cite the original publication, official documentation, or website associated with each resource.
May I use screenshots, figures, or images from research tools and platforms?¶
Yes, provided that their use complies with the terms and conditions of the original platform and appropriate credit is given. Participants are responsible for ensuring that all materials included in their submission are used ethically and in accordance with applicable licenses and policies. If you use generative AI tools to create or modify images, figures, or other content, please also ensure that your use complies with the competition’s Generative AI Policy.
Are there additional benefits to participating beyond awards?¶
Yes. Beyond the competition itself, participants gain experience in research, critical thinking, scientific communication, data analysis, and independent inquiry. Participation can also help build an academic portfolio, strengthen university or scholarship applications, and provide a foundation for future research projects.