Research Pitch Competition launches inaugural event in October

University of North Georgia (UNG) students conducting research projects may compete in the inaugural Research Pitch Competition next month.

Sponsored by UNG's Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA), the virtual contest offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to present a 3-minute pitch of their academic research. It is modeled after the University of Queensland’s Three Minute Thesis program.

The competition is open to students of all disciplines and campuses. A winner will be selected and receive an award.

"This event will help students become comfortable with presenting their research both quickly and in layman's terms," said Dr. Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president of research and engagement.

Students who want to participate in the Research Pitch Competition must submit an abstract of no more than 100 words by Oct. 2 to curca@ung.edu. Information sessions about the contest will be at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24 and noon Sept. 30 via Zoom. Email curca@ung.edu for the link.

The Research Pitch Competition will be held online from 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 29. CURCA will hold a mock pitch session for each participant prior to the event.

Presentations will be judged on the following:

• Clarity of content including thesis, background information, key findings, and significance or impact to the field.
• Communication style and engagement based on the speaker's enthusiasm and pace along with a clear and impactful PowerPoint slide.

"The skills students learn during this event will help those applying to graduate school or being interviewed for a job," Lin said.

She explained the Research Pitch Competition originally was scheduled as an in-person event in spring 2020, but UNG's transition to remote instruction in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its postponement.

"We are excited to launch this in the fall," Lin said. "It is a nice balance to the Annual Research Conference (ARC) we will hold in the spring."

During the daylong ARC, UNG students present their research-based projects through oral and poster presentations. Lin explained students usually deliver an "elevator pitch" during poster presentations, then answer any questions. Others talk about their papers during panel discussions.

"They have more time to talk about their research at the Annual Research Conference," Lin said, explaining the new contest can act as a training ground for the ARC. "By having the Research Pitch Competition in the fall, it is the ideal precursor to the ARC in the spring. Students can become more comfortable with presenting their research."

More information is available on the Research Pitch Competition or CURCA webpages.