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.
2019 Results
The judges have selected the division winners, inaugural overall top presenter, and top presenters by section. See the results.
Vote for the People's Choice Award
Vote now for the $250 People's Choice Award. The public votes for the winner of this award, based on the merit of the presentation's video. All presenters are eligible to win. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on May 22. See the 2019 presentations below to make your selection.
2019 Presentations
Agriculture, Soil, and Natural Resources
Anthropology
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Chemistry
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Geosciences
Human Behavioral and Social Sciences
Math and Computer Science
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Physics and Astronomy
Physiology and Immunology
Registration fees:
Sigma Xi Members, Affiliates, and Explorers: $35
Non-Sigma Xi Members: $50
#SigmaXiSRS
2019 Competition Timeline
December 3: Abstract submission begins. Submit an abstract of your project by completing the abstract submission form.
March 1: Abstract submission deadline 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
April 1: Registration and website presentation submission deadline 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
April 15: Judging begins, including discussion period between students and judges
April 29: Judging concludes at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Week of May 13: Student award winners announced and People's Choice Award opens
Week of May 20: People's Choice Award voting ends and winner announced
Questions?
Send an email to programs@sigmaxi.org.
Awards
Monetary awards of up to US $500 are given to the top graduate, undergraduate and high school presenters. An overall winner will be selected from the top presenters in each division to receive an additional $500.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award is selected based on a public vote and receives a $250 monetary award.
Top presenters in each discipline will receive an honorable mention.
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.
Volunteer as a Judge
Qualified Sigma Xi members, career researchers with an advanced degree, and science communicators are encouraged to sign up to judge Sigma Xi’s Student Research Showcase. Judges evaluate up to 10 presentation websites, interact with presenters by leaving comments, and provide feedback. Judging takes place April 15-29 so you can fit the evaluations in as your schedule permits.
Sigma Xi members can volunteer to be a competition judge using this online form..
Guidelines for Judges
Click here to download the SRS Judges Manual for more information and judging criteria.
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.
2018 Results
Congratulations to the division and section winners of the 2018 Student Research Showcase! See the 2018 results.