Chicago, IL, April 24, 2026 – The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute is proud to announce the top award recipients of its 2026 Student Research Case Study Challenge, a global program that spotlights emerging actuarial talent and gives students the chance to put their skills on display. Team VALCS Consulting from the University of New South Wales, Australia, captured first place. Team Alienz Insurance, also from the University of New South Wales, earned second place, and Exoplanet from Renmin University of China took third place.
Every year, the SOA Research Institute invites university students to form teams of two to five members to analyze a case study, perform actuarial research, develop solutions, and present their recommendations in a report. The SOA Research Institute received 100 submissions from 65 universities, spanning 19 countries in three regions.
The selected teams’ universities receive grants: USD 5,000 for first place; USD 3,000 for second place; and USD 2,000 for third. Additionally, students from these three teams each receive USD 500.
This year’s case study required teams to look into the future, to a time in which space travel and trading among planets is possible. As members of the hypothetical Galaxy General Insurance Company, the teams developed insurance product recommendations for an intergalactic mining company.
The annual case study challenge gives students a chance to apply their mathematical skills and actuarial knowledge in a real-world setting, while showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and presentation abilities. It also supports the SOA Research Institute’s goal of partnering with universities to help develop the next generation of actuaries. See the full list of winners and links to their projects on the 2026 Student Research Case Study Challenge information page.
About the Society of Actuaries
With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 35,000 actuaries as members in more than 100 countries worldwide. The SOA’s purpose is to empower its members to drive solutions to life’s financial risks. To learn more, visit soa.org.
About the SOA Research Institute
Serving as the research arm of the SOA, the SOA Research Institute provides objective, data-driven research bringing together tried and true practices and future-focused approaches to address societal challenges and your business needs. It provides trusted knowledge, extensive experience and new technologies to help effectively identify, predict and manage risks. www.soa.org/research/research-institute/