Everything you need to know about the World Bridge Network, our programs, and how to get involved.
World Bridge Network (WBN) is a student-led organization focused on expanding access to academic opportunities for students around the world. We provide students with opportunities to explore research, debate, and other academic interests while connecting them with a growing international network.
WBN primarily supports high school and gap-year students who are interested in research, academic exploration, and debate.
WBN has representatives in 25+ countries and has reached approximately 10,000 students through its initiatives. Our growing network also includes 20+ mentors.
No. WBN is an independent, student-led organization that provides academic and research opportunities outside of the traditional school and university system.
The World Bridge Network Research Fellowship is an 8-week program that gives high school and gap-year students the opportunity to conduct independent research with guidance from a research mentor.
Students work through the research process from developing a research question to completing and submitting a research manuscript.
The Research Fellowship is completely free for everyone. Our goal is to provide access to meaningful research opportunities without requiring students to pay for participation.
No. Previous research experience is not required. We welcome students who demonstrate genuine curiosity, commitment, and a strong interest in exploring a research question.
Students may pursue research in:
Students are matched with mentors based on their research interests and the expertise of available mentors.
The Research Fellowship lasts eight weeks and follows a structured progression from developing a research question to completing and submitting a final research manuscript.
The time commitment may vary depending on the student's research topic, methodology, and stage of the project.
Ideally, students should expect to dedicate approximately 5–8 hours per week to their research, including reading, research, analysis, writing, and communication with their mentor.
Each student is matched with a mentor based on their research interests and the mentor's academic or professional background.
Mentors guide students throughout the research process by helping them refine their research questions, discuss methodology, evaluate evidence, address challenges, and strengthen their final manuscript.
The student remains responsible for conducting their research and writing their paper.
Email is the primary method of communication between mentors and students outside of their scheduled meetings.
No. The student remains responsible for their research, analysis, and writing. Mentors provide guidance, feedback, and academic support rather than writing the student's research for them.
At this stage, the mentor role is voluntary. WBN does not currently offer a fixed honorarium or compensation for mentors.
At the end of the fellowship, students submit their completed manuscripts for academic review.
Research papers that meet World Bridge Network's academic and publication standards will be considered for publication on the World Bridge Network website.
Completed research papers will be reviewed by PhD candidates and researchers at universities such as Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and more.
Reviewers will evaluate the research based on factors such as the research question, methodology, evidence, analysis, academic writing, citations, and overall research quality.
The review process may consider:
Students may receive feedback and recommendations for revision before their paper is considered for publication.
No. Individual reviewer names do not need to appear on the published research paper. Academic review is part of World Bridge Network's research review and publication process.
The student is the primary author of their research paper. The research mentor is credited separately as the Research Mentor.
Mentorship alone does not automatically make a mentor a co-author.
Students are selected based on factors such as their research interests, motivation, curiosity, and commitment to completing the fellowship.
No. Previous awards or exceptional academic achievements are not the sole basis for selection. We are interested in students who demonstrate genuine interest, curiosity, and commitment to research.
Yes. WBN is an international organization, and students from different countries can participate in our programs.
Many students do not have access to research mentors, academic networks, or structured research opportunities. WBN was created to help expand access to these opportunities by connecting students with mentors and providing a structured research experience at no cost to everyone.