On Thursday 18th January, three Immerse alumni presented the research papers they completed during their Online Research Programme. The papers and presentations were judged and a winner was revealed! You can watch the recording of the event on the Immerse YouTube channel.
The Finalists
Reika Oba completed the International Relations Online Research Programme. She graduated from the International School of Dusseldorf in 2023 and obtained a bilingual IB Diploma. She is currently studying for a Social Sciences degree at University College London.
Her research paper is titled Challenges To Solving Gender Inequality In The Global System: A Case Study Of The UN’s Efforts Over Time.

Akshan Raina completed the Artificial Intelligence Online Research Programme. He is currently in year 12 at Eton College studying A-Levels in Economics, Politics, Maths and French. He is an eager social and environmental activist and engages in Eton’s Environmental club alongside being a Committee Member for ‘Eton Action’ the school’s Social Action Society.
His research paper is titled: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

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Kathryn Holland completed the Medicine Online Research Programme. She is currently a senior at Edmonds-Woodway High School in Washington State, USA, enrolled in the IB programme. Kathryn would like to pursue the Natural Sciences, specifically the biological sciences to build a solid foundation in knowledge so that one day she may be able to apply to medical school.
Her research paper is titled: Food Allergies: The Basics.

The finalists were asked to present for 10 minutes and to think about the following in their presentation:
- How they researched their paper
- How they formulated their ideas
- How they structured their paper
- The support they received from their tutor
- And a summary of the key points from their paper and conclusion
The Winner
Akshan Raina was announced as the winner. The judge commented: “Akshan, your paper contained varied and well-analysed research, and was very well structured – with complex concepts broken down into smaller subtopics.
Your presentation took us on a journey of how you wrote your essay and you articulated your ideas clearly. This was a fascinating and detailed presentation. Congratulations”
You can read Akshan’s paper here.
To find out more about Immerse Education, the Online Research programme, and how we empower students by providing the knowledge and support they need to succeed in their future ambitions, please visit our website.
The Online Research Programme
The Online Research Programme is designed for students who want to enhance their personal research and study skills in preparation for university, whilst also developing deeper knowledge in their chosen field.
Participants can choose to study a unique topic from the range of subjects that we offer, and select to be taught either by an Oxbridge or Ivy League tutor.
Led by their personal tutor, students undertake an academic research project, assessed at university-level and receive daily 1:1 supervision in addition to academic skills classes.
The aim is to create a piece of work that showcases the students ability to think critically and dive into their passion, setting them apart from other university applicants.
The programme is available in 20 subjects including Creative Writing, Law and Economics; and includes options to study over 4 hours, 10 hours, or 20 hours, depending on your study style or goals.
What makes this programme unique?
- It’s a fully bespoke programme, tailored to students needs.
- Students are able to produce a university-standard, high quality, academic research project. Depending on the subject, this project can either take the form of an essay, a practical creation, or an interactive presentation.
- Students receive Oxbridge-style tuition, remotely, and gain experience with university-style teaching methods.
- They receive subject-specific advice to enhance grades.
- They also improve confidence in their own ability in a subject.
- They learn from a passionate, world-leading academic and they receive detailed feedback.
In addition to the academic research project, students will also receive tuition in areas such as personal study, academic writing and independent research. These are transferable skills which are vital for success in higher education, and students relish the opportunity to explore a topic of their interest.