It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that could catapult one Australian student to international geospatial stardom.

Esri Australia has launched the 2013 Young Scholars competition to recognise the exemplary work of undergraduate and graduate students majoring in geospatial science disciplines at Australian universities.

The prize is an all-expenses paid* trip to the United States to attend the world’s biggest GIS technology conference, Esri UC, where the winner will showcase their work in front of 30,000 of the world’s leading spatial professionals.

The winning student will meet Esri founder, president and widely regarded ‘father of GIS’, Jack Dangermond, as well as other Young Scholars from around the globe. They will also take part in a ‘special achievement in GIS’ award ceremony, where they will rub shoulders with many of the world’s leading geo-enabled enterprises.

To be in the running to become Australia’s first Esri Young Scholar, students must submit a project, software development, application or research paper that leverages Esri GIS technology.

Submissions can cover any topic or field of study, however recommended areas include:  agribusiness, commercial/business, community, conservation, disaster response, education, or energy.

Applications will be judged by an expert panel and based on: creativity and/or innovation; real-world relevancy; application of Esri technology; and technical merit.

The competition is open now – and closes 20 April 2013.

To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in an undergraduate program from an Australian college or university and must have used Esri’s GIS technology to complete a project or conduct research.

To become the Esri Australia Young Scholar, submit your application today at www.esriaustralia.com.au/youngscholars.

*For full terms and conditions, please visit www.esriaustralia.com.au/youngscholars.