Got an idea, but not sure how to turn it into a submission for Research Day? Don’t worry—you probably already have the foundation!
Think about the comprehensive exam papers you’ve been working on, or even assignments from your courses. These can be excellent starting points for a presentation. Sometimes, a simple question or reflection can spark a compelling submission. EDST Research Day is your chance to explore those ideas further and share them with the academic community.
Here’s how you can turn that seed of an idea into a successful proposal.
Step 1: Look for Inspiration in Your Work
Start by asking:
- What recent assignment or paper did I really connect with?
- What question has stuck with me and keeps resurfacing?
- Is there a project I’ve been wanting to develop further?
If you’ve written a paper you’re proud of—or even one you’re still trying to figure out—it’s a great candidate for Research Day. You don’t need all the answers. Sometimes, just sharing your questions can lead to the most engaging discussions!
Step 2: Choose a Format
EDST Research Day offers a variety of formats, so pick one that fits your style and content:
- Paper Presentation (20-minute talk + 10-minute Q&A): Ideal for presenting developed research or theoretical work.
- Short Presentation (7-minute talk + 5-minute Q&A): Perfect for summarizing key insights or early findings.
- Ignite Session (20 slides in 5 minutes): High-energy and fast-paced—great for sharing big ideas quickly.
- Poster Presentation: Showcase your work visually.
- Creative Presentation (Art, Film, or Performance): A space for innovative and non-traditional research approaches.
- Panel or Roundtable Discussion: Collaborate with peers to explore multiple perspectives on a shared topic.
Step 3: Craft Your Proposal
Once you’ve chosen your format, it’s time to put your idea into words. Keep it simple and clear. For individual presentations, include:
- A full title that reflects your key idea (make it engaging!).
- A 150–200-word abstract summarizing what you’ll present. Focus on the “why” and the “so what”:
- Why is this topic important?
- What do you want the audience to take away?
For panels and roundtables, outline your session structure and introduce your key participants.
Step 4: Get Feedback
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Share your draft with peers, mentors, or the Graduate Academic Assistants (GAAs). They can help you refine your abstract and choose the best format for your presentation. The GAAs are happy to chat about your ideas—email them at edst.gaa@ubc.ca.
Step 5: Submit Your Proposal
The submission deadline is February 21, 2025. Once you’re happy with your proposal, submit it through the Research Day 2025 submission form.
Remember: Your submission doesn’t need to be perfect or finalized. Research Day is a space to share evolving ideas, get feedback, and spark new collaborations.
A Final Tip: Start Small
A simple question can turn into an amazing submission. Be bold, curious, and open to where your idea takes you. Research Day is a supportive environment that values exploration just as much as polished findings.
We can’t wait to see what you bring to EDST Research Day 2025. Start drafting that proposal—you’ve got this!
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