All undergraduate researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are invited to compete for $1,500 in the Texas Student Research Showdown, a video and presentation competition this fall.

In the first round of the Showdown, entrants will create 2-minute videos about their research, to be voted on by UT students. In the final round, the top six students will give 6-minute research presentations to a live audience and judging panel. Winners will receive scholarships to recognize their excellence in research communication. A series of workshops offers support at every step of the process. The 2015 Texas Student Research Showdown Final Round is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 at 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Avaya Auditorium (POB 2.302).

Why enter?

We want to help UT’s top students sell their ideas—and their stories as researchers—to a general audience. All entrants will walk away with a 2-minute video that explains their work to friends, family, grad school committees, and future employers. If your video is in the top six, you’ll take part in the Final Round live competition on Nov. 12. A panel of judges will award scholarship prizes for 1st ($1,500), 2nd ($750), and 3rd ($250) place. Prizes will be awarded based on communication skill and the merit of the research.

Why short videos and mini-presentations?

Short videos are ideal for communicating on social media, and mini-presentations of a style similar to short TED talks are perfect for telling the narrative of your work without overwhelming a general audience. If you’ve never communicated in these formats before, that’s okay—we’ll help you learn how. Attend one of our workshops on making a knockout video and talk.

Who can enter?

The Showdown is open to any current UT undergraduate involved in research or creative activity in any major. Your work can be an independent project, or a collaboration with a professor to which you have made substantive contributions.

What are the deadlines?

First Round: Video submissions are due Oct. 5. Voting will take place Oct. 7-21.
Final Round: The live competition will take place Thursday, Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

For more details, visit http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/our/showdown.