Welcome to the 40th Graduate Research Symposium!
The Graduate Research Symposium is Kent State University’s premier event for graduate students, offering a unique platform to share and celebrate their research achievements.
On behalf of the Graduate Student Senate and the Organizing Committee, we are thrilled to invite you to the 40th Graduate Research Symposium, which will take place at the Kent Student Center on March 19-20, 2026.
Thursday & Friday, March 19th & 20th
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
"Science Communication and Public Speaking"
This year’s theme “Science Communication and Public Speaking” highlights the importance of effectively communicating research beyond academic audiences. Whether you are presenting, judging, or attending, the symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore how strong communication can bridge science and society.
About the Symposium
Graduate Research Symposium at Kent State University
The 40th Graduate Research Symposium marks a major milestone in Kent State’s legacy of celebrating graduate student excellence. This year’s program is designed as a platform to empower graduate students research and presentation, celebrate achievements, and foster collaboration, inspiration, and community among researchers from all disciplines.
The symposium provides an inclusive environment where graduate students can:
- Present their research and creative work,
- Receive constructive feedback,
- Engage with peers and faculty, and
- Compete for financial awards and university-wide recognition.
New for 2026: Introducing the Kent FlashTalk!
To commemorate the 40th anniversary, and reflect on our theme, we are thrilled to debut an exciting new presentation format: the Kent FlashTalk. This format invites participants to deliver short, engaging talks tailored for a general audience, emphasizing clarity, storytelling, and enthusiasm.
Designed to align with this year’s theme, Science Communication and Public Speaking, the Kent FlashTalk challenges presenters to distill complex ideas into accessible and inspiring messages. It’s an opportunity to take the stage in an auditorium-style setting and share your research in a way that captivates and connects with a broader community.
In addition to the Kent FlashTalk, the symposium continues to feature traditional Oral and Poster Presentations, as well as Art Performances and Exhibitions that showcase the creativity and diversity of Kent State’s graduate community.
The event will also include vibrant social activities, creating a dynamic, interdisciplinary atmosphere that celebrates the intersection of research, art, and communication.
Presentation Formats
A new and exciting addition to the symposium! Kent FlashTalk gives presenters the opportunity to deliver a short (4 minutes and 5 slides), engaging presentation to a general audience in an auditorium-style setting. This is a great way to practice your public speaking skills and communicate your research to a broad audience. Valuable awards will be offered for top ranked presenters.
Each session will consist of 60-90 minutes, with each speaker given 12 minutes to present, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A. Sessions will be organized by specialization, though similar disciplines may be grouped together. More details on session breakdowns will be shared in the technical program in March 2026.
A 2-hour session where presenters will stand by their physical posters in the Poster Hall and engage with visitors and judges. This is an excellent opportunity for in-depth discussion and feedback on your work.
In addition to academic presentations, we invite artists to showcase their work through performance or exhibition. If you’d like to participate, please register in advance to secure a designated space for your art.
What to expect
Keynote Speaker
Join us for a keynote presentation by an influential speaker (TBA), who will reflect on the 40-year legacy of the Graduate Research Symposium and discuss the importance of science communication and public speaking in academic research.
Award Ceremony & Luncheon
The symposium will culminate in an exciting awards ceremony after the Award Lunch and Key note Speaker on March 20th, where the top presenters will be recognized and awarded with more than $5,000 in prizes. In addition, various recognition awards will be announced for significant contributions to the graduate student community.
Awards and Recognition
The Graduate Research Symposium will recognize the top presenters across all categories, with more than $5,000 in awards available for the top ranked Kent FlashTalk, oral, poster, and artistic presentations. Additionally, recognition awards will be given for outstanding contributions to the graduate community. (revise $5000 awards)
Judges' Lottery and Recognition
Judges will also be recognized for their valuable contribution to the success of the event, with a special lottery for prizes.
Networking Opportunities, professional TBD activities
The symposium offers various opportunities to meet and network with peers, faculty, and professionals in a collaborative and creative atmosphere. In additon, we will coordinate for services like professional photo both and more TBA.
Dining Experience, Coffee & Refreshments
- Enjoy a delightful dining experience during the award ceremony luncheon on March 20th, featuring delicious food and the opportunity to celebrate the symposium’s achievements. Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be provided throughout both days of the event.
Parking
Convenient parking will be available for all registered attendees.
Important Dates
| Graduate Research Symposium 2026 Important Dates (KSC, 19-20 March) | |
| Presenter application | |
| Abstract Submission is Open (Oral, Poster, or KentFlash Talk) | January 5th, 2026 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | February 6th,2026 |
| Notifications of Acceptance to Authors | February 20th,2026 |
| Judges’ application | |
| Judges’ application is Open | January 5th, 2026 |
| Judges’ application Deadline | February 6th,2026 |
| Registration | |
| Registration Opens | February 20th,2026 |
| Registration Closes | March 10th,2026 |
| Technical Program | |
| Technical Program Online | March 5th,2026 |
| Notifications of Presentation designation to Authors | March 5th,2026 |
| Graduate Research Symposium 2026 | |
| Oral and Poster presentations | March 19th ,2026 |
| Kent FlashTalk, Keynote speaker, and award ceremony | March 20th ,2026 |
Organizers:
Programming Chair
Esmaeel Adrah
PhD Candidate
Department of Geography
Programming Committee
Sarvinaz Hajiyeva
Michael Ajenikoko
Ananya Nair
Fathima Nafla Shafi Mohamed
Darcy McTigue
Diego Moscoso Gonzales
Uzma Jabeen
GSS Executive board
See you then!
We look forward to seeing you at the 40th Graduate Research Symposium and celebrating the continued success and growth of Kent State’s graduate research community. For more details and to register, please visit our website.
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)