A longstanding tradition of CMU Energy Week, the CMU Energy Week Student Poster Competition is calling for posters that showcase the innovative work of CMU’s students. This competition allows all students, from undergraduates to postdoctoral researchers, to network with peers, faculty, and energy leaders while sharing their cutting-edge research with attendees. The abstract submission deadline has been extended to February 28, 11:59 p.m. ET.
The participants will give a 5-minute presentation during CMU Energy Week 2025, where students will have the opportunity to present on their poster, followed by a Q&A period and a final award ceremony. This event will take place on March 27 from 2:45 - 3:30 pm, with winners being announced on the main stage at approximately 4:00 p.m. Posters can feature any energy-related topic, and we encourage participants from all colleges and disciplines.
Over $2,500 in total prizes will be awarded for the most compelling posters:
- First Place ($1000, Feature in Scott Institute’s April Newsletter, display of poster in the Hunt Library
- Sustainability Studio)
- Second Place ($750)
- Third Place ($500)
- Most Innovative Research Idea ($500)
Eligibility requirements
- To be eligible, you must be a Carnegie Mellon University undergraduate, master's or Ph.D. student
- Your presentation topic must relate to energy, but may be from any sector, including business, manufacturing, social justice, engineering, education, the arts, etc.
- Your research must be original work with at least preliminary findings.
- Digital Poster Submissions should be submitted as a 24"x36” PDF (horizontal). We recommend you use PowerPoint’s 24x36 poster template.
- Teams may be made up of 1-4 participants. No more than four people may be on a team. All team members must be CMU undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. students.
- For the 5-minute flash presentation, only one student from the team is required to present; however, all students are encouraged to participate.
Important dates
| Date/time | Round/deadline |
|---|---|
| Friday, February 28 11:59 p.m. ET |
300 word abstract submission due |
| Tuesday, March 4 | Abstract selections are accepted, and finalists will be notified |
| Monday, March 17 11:59 p.m. ET |
Poster submission due |
| Thursday, March 27 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. ET |
CMU Energy Week Research Poster Competition Event
|
| Thursday, March 27 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET |
Winners announced |
| Thursday, March 27 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET |
Winners have the opportunity to showcase posters during the Careers in Energy Networking Reception |
Judging criteria
Clarity:
- Research question is clearly defined.
- Research conducted in support of the project is conveyed/presented in a clear and arresting manner.
- Working methodology/process is documented clearly.
- Sample or full results of inquiry are presented in a concise form.
- Potential implications of results are addressed.
Presentation:
- The poster is easy to read and understand.
- The poster consists of images, illustrations, photographs supplemented by charts, descriptive material, technical information/factors, etc.
- Emphasis is placed on originality of the content, technical excellence, educational value, and practical application.
- The presenter effectively communicates research to multidisciplinary audiences, such as business/industry, government, nonprofit, and academia.
- The presenter is professional and enthused to present their poster.
Feel free to repurpose a poster you've already presented at other conferences or events.