Join us on March 31, 2026!
We welcome all guests to join us at the Student Symposium to listen to presentations and encourage our presenters. Please complete the guest registration form to attend.
2026 Student Symposium
The 29th annual Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at University Crossing. This university-wide competition is open to all UMass Lowell (UML) undergraduate and graduate students interested in presenting their research, service learning projects, co-op/internships, study abroad experiences, creative works, and other academic endeavors.
Each year, we invite corporate and community partners, alumni, university leadership, and faculty to serve as judges for the competition, network with participants, and provide valuable feedback. In addition, we welcome fellow students, prospective students, family, friends, and the broader UML community to attend the event, listen to presentations, and connect with our students.
See highlights from last year and learn more about the 2026 Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium.
2026 Agenda
(Subject to change based on availability of presenters).
| Oral Presentations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Activity | Space |
| Noon - 12:45 p.m. | Check-in opens | University Crossing (UCC) 2nd Floor |
| 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. | Sessions 1, 2, and 3 | Moloney Hall A, 255, and 490 |
| 1:45 - 2 p.m. | Break | UCC |
| 2 - 3 p.m. | Sessions 4, 5, and 6 | Moloney Hall A, 255, and 490 |
| 3 - 3:15 p.m. | Break | UCC |
| 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. | Sessions 7, and 8 | UCC 255 and 490 |
| 4:15 - 4:30 p.m. | Break | UCC |
| 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Sessions 9 and 10 | UCC 255 and 490 |
| Poster Presentations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Activity | Space |
| Noon - 12:30 p.m. | Wave 1 check-in | UCC Atrium |
| 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Wave 1 poster presentations | UCC Atrium and 2nd Floor |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Break and Wave 2 check-in | UCC Atrium |
| 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Wave 2 poster presentations | UCC Atrium and 2nd Floor |
| Networking and Awards Ceremony | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Activity | Space |
| 5:30 - 6 p.m. | Networking | Moloney Hall and Foyer |
| 6 - 6:30 p.m. | UMass Lowell Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Winner Presentations | Moloney Hall |
| 6:30 - 7 p.m. | Awards Ceremony | Moloney Hall |
2026 Student Symposium Format
Students must choose between an oral presentation or a poster presentation. Students may participate as an individual or as a team (no more than three team members in each team). For both options, students must first submit an abstract for approval by their faculty or staff advisor.
Due to limitations in time and space, the Student Symposium can only accommodate a maximum number of presenters for each presentation track. This means that participation in the competition is first come, first serve. Please submit your abstract as soon as possible to reserve a spot as a presenter.
Oral presentation
Students participating in the oral presentation track will present in front of a panel of 3-5 judges. Presentations should be no more than three minutes. The judges will have approximately five minutes to ask questions to learn more about the presenters’ projects and their challenges, solutions, impact, etc.
Oral presenters will need to prepare at least one slide to accompany their presentation.
Poster presentation
Students participating in the poster presentation track will present to at least three judges who may visit presenters together or separately. Presentations should be no more than five minutes. Each judge will have approximately five minutes to ask questions during or after presentations.
Poster presenters must prepare a poster in the following dimensions: 36” (width) X 24” (height).
Competition Winners
Each college will award at least one undergraduate and one graduate student or team as winners for both tracks.
Winning individual submissions and team submissions will receive $200.
In addition, at least one individual or team from each college will be selected as a “Fan Favorite” winner based on attendee feedback and input from judges. Fan Favorite winners receive $100 as both individuals and teams.
How to Participate
1. Submit Your Abstract
Abstracts (no more than 250 words) must be submitted through the InfoReady abstract submission portal by Friday, February 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Upon submission of the abstract, the portal will automatically send the abstract to the advisor your indicated on your form form approval.
2. Submit Your Presentation Slides or Poster
Students who receive approval from their advisor will receive a link to submit their presentation slides or poster.
Instructions and guidelines for slides and posters will be included in your approval notification.
3. Prepare for Your Presentation
All student participants should practice their presentations prior to the Student Symposium. It is important to stay within your allotted time and present in a clear and concise manner.
Don't worry, we will provide training opportunities and resources to help you build your presentations skills!
