SLAM GUIDLINES

Eligibility

Three winners will be selected from each of the four Bay Area National Labs to compete in the regional Bay Area Research SLAM. 

Individual eligibility criteria for the local event is set by the participating Lab. See individual Lab guidelines by selecting the respective Lab logo: 

Rules for Final Live Presentations

All winners (First prize, Second prize, Third prize, and the People's Choice award) be decided at the live event.

Only ONE, single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted (for a virtual event, this will translate to a Zoom background). Slides will enhance the presentation, but the slide is not the focus of the contest. 

• No slide transitions or animations of any kind are allowed.

• The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the talk.

• No additional media (e.g. sound or video files) are permitted in the slide.

• Contestants will select a short clip of a song they would like played as they are introduced.

• No props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.

• Presentations will be limited to three minutes. Competitors exceeding three minutes will lose points on their presentation.

• Presentations are to be spoken word (i.e. not sung or otherwise performed).

• Presentations must be made on the stage (or virtual stage), in person, at the live.

• The judges' decision is final.

Judging

There will be no more than one judge representing each individual Lab. Other participating Judges will be selected and agreed upon by the Bay Area Research SLAM organizing committee. The judges' choices are final and binding.

The winner of the people's choice award will be determined by a voting form only to members of the audience at live or virtual event. Each attendee will be allowed to vote only once. In the event that the "people's choice" award winner is the same as the winner or runner-up in the contest, that individual will receive both prizes. In the event any of the final judges are not able to be present at the October  event, the remaining judges will decide on the winner and runner-up. In the event of a tie, the chair of the judges will make the final decision. Each Lab reserves the right to replace their Lab's participating judge who has to withdraw from judging the award with another qualified individual.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?

• Was the research topic and its significance communicated using language appropriate to an educated, but non-specialist audience?

Engagement and Communication

• Did the presentation make the audience want to know more about the research?

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?

The judges may also consider the following factors...

• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?

• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?

• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?

• Was the presentation well-paced? Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation, or did they rush through some elements?

• Was the presenter careful not to over-generalize their research?

• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?

• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?

• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?

• Did the speaker's slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

Videotaping of Live Event

The 2025 Bay Area Research SLAM live event will be photographed as well as videotaped. By entering the contest, you agree to allow use the resulting photographs and/or video, which may include your image or presentation, in publicity surrounding the contest and/or in other contexts, such as websites, promotional materials, etc.