Do you currently have a project you are working on for a lab, class, or senior project? Have you completed a project or have interesting preliminary findings? Want to learn about scholarly discourse and sharing scientific findings with your peers? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the 2016 Symposium for Undergraduate Research at UCSC may serve as an awesome opportunity for you!

What is a symposium?

A symposium is an event where "experts" come together to speak about a particular topic. In this case, the undergraduate research symposium is an event where undergraduates will come together to talk about the research they are involved in while in a formal academic setting.

When/where will the symposium take place?

The 2016 Symposium for Undergraduate Research will be a one day event, occurring on Friday, December 2, from 3:30pm - 6:30pm. It will take place at and around Room 121 in the Social Sciences 2 building (college 9/10).

What will happen during the symposium?

There will be approximately six undergraduate oral presentations (lasting twelve minutes each), and approximately 16 undergraduate poster presentations, along with opportunities for audience questions and/or comments. A panel of judges will decide the top oral and poster presentations, and awards will be given out to each. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. The event will last approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

How do I enter my presentation?

To enter your presentation, use the submission portal

There, enter all of the required information, including the title, authors, and abstract. You may only apply once; your email address will be recorded.

The deadline to submit an abstract is Friday, November 25th, 2016.

Accepted presenters MUST send their final presentations (google slides or PDF of poster) to the symposium coordinator before 11pm on Wednesday, November 30th.

Panel of judges and prize information:

This year we will be having a panel of experienced researchers to determine the best oral and poster presentations. Awards will be given out!

*You have the option to opt out of being considered for a prize*

Presentations will be judged based on the following criteria:

1. Clarity of presentation. (if your presentation is not clear, the following three criteria cannot be assessed)
2. Soundness of research.
3. Potential to contribute to science.
4. Potential for applied contributions.

Let's have a great symposium, see you there!