Student Research Showcase
An online science communication competition
Can you explain your research to a broad audience? Join undergraduate, graduate, and high school students as they compete for awards in recognition of outstanding virtual research presentations. The Student Research Showcase is a unique opportunity for students to develop effective science communication skills, which every researcher should have. Those who are able to communicate the value of their research to a broader audience are at an advantage in terms of building financial and social support for their work. The online competition is open to most research disciplines in the United States and worldwide. Participants submit websites containing three main components: a research abstract, a technical slideshow, and a video. The video component challenges participants to present their research to a general audience. During the judging period, more than sixty Sigma Xi members volunteer as judges to evaluate students’ submissions and engage in digital conversations with presenters through their websites.
2018 Presentation Sites:
Registration fees:
Sigma Xi Members, Affiliates, and Explorers: $35
Non-Sigma Xi Members: $50
#SigmaXiSRS
2018 Competition Timeline
December 4: Registration opens and project approval begins. Submit project abstract using this form.
February 26: Project approval and registration deadline 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
March 26: Presentation submission deadline 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
March 27-31: Verification of student presentation websites
April 2-13: Publication of student presentations to Showcase competition website
April 16: Judging begins, including discussion period between students and judges
April 30: Judging concludes at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
May 7: Student award winners announced
Week of May 14: Feedback from judges sent to all presenting students
Awards
Monetary awards of up to US $500 are to given to the top Graduate, Undergraduate and High School winners within each category. The winner of the People’s Choice Award is selected based on a public vote and receives a $250 monetary award. Awards are partly based on the total number of registrants per category and differ year to year. All student presenters will receive a certificate of participation.
Resources
Information for Participating Students
Information for Judges
Help Promote the Showcase
Download and use this flyer
Tips for the Student Research Showcase
Two of the top presenters of 2015, Luka Negoita and Weelic Chong, share their advice and experience in a series of videos.
2017 Presentation Websites