Science · 4 Rounds
Synapsis
Every decision saves a life — or costs one.
Step into the world of medicine, where every decision has the power to save a life or cost one. Investigate suspicious deaths as forensic pathologists, review patient case files to uncover overlooked diagnoses, make life-altering organ transplant decisions where science meets ethics, and lead the response to rapidly evolving disease outbreaks.
Register for Synapsis
The Rounds
How it unfolds
- 01
Round 1 — Autopsy Files
A renowned surgeon has been found dead under mysterious circumstances, and the truth lies hidden within the evidence left behind. Step into the role of forensic investigators, examine the case, uncover hidden clues, and piece together the events surrounding the victim's death. Every decision narrows the list of suspects — but appearances can be deceiving.
- 02
Round 2 — The Review Board
Not every diagnosis is correct. As members of a hospital's Medical Review Board, re-evaluate patient cases already diagnosed by another physician. Using clinical evidence, laboratory reports, and diagnostic imaging, decide whether the original diagnosis holds up or if a critical mistake has been made.
- 03
Round 3 — Second Chance
A single donor has the power to save multiple lives, but not everyone can receive a transplant. As members of a hospital's Organ Transplant Committee, evaluate donor compatibility, prioritize patients, and make difficult allocation decisions where biology and ethics collide. New medical developments may force you to rethink everything.
- 04
Round 4 — Crisis Command
An infectious disease is spreading rapidly. As members of the WHO Emergency Response Team, investigate the outbreak, coordinate medical resources, implement containment strategies, and respond to new developments as the crisis unfolds. Every decision shapes the course of the epidemic.
Rules & Regulations
Event rules for Synapsis
- 01
All conclusions (autopsy findings, diagnoses, transplant decisions) must be backed by the evidence/case files provided.
- 02
Round 1 investigation findings must be submitted within the round's time limit.
- 03
Round 2 diagnosis reviews must reference the specific clinical evidence, lab reports, or imaging provided — assumptions without evidence will not be credited.
- 04
Round 3 transplant/allocation decisions must address both the medical and ethical reasoning behind the choice.
- 05
Round 4 outbreak-response decisions must adapt to new developments announced mid-round.
- 06
External medical references or search tools are not permitted — only the material provided by organizers may be used.
Universal Rules
Apply to every event.
These rules are binding across all ten events at Plutus 2026. No exceptions.
- 01
No AI tools permitted. Use of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any generative AI tool — for research, content generation, calculations, or decision-making — at any stage of any round is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification of the team.
- 02
Judges' and organizers' decisions are final and binding on all matters, including scoring, disqualification, and rule interpretation.
- 03
Reporting time is mandatory. Teams arriving late to their round may lose time from their allotted slot or forfeit their turn, at the organizers' discretion.
- 04
Original work only — any pitch, script, design, or presentation must be created live/on-site during the event unless a round explicitly allows pre-prepared material.
- 05
Respectful conduct is required toward judges, volunteers, and other teams; unsporting behavior, verbal abuse, or sabotage of another team's materials leads to disqualification.
- 06
Substitutions are not allowed once a team is registered, except in case of a genuine emergency and with prior organizer approval.
Next event
Mercatus