Research Poster Competition

2025 Research Poster Competition Overview 

The annual Research Poster Competition (RPC) showcases George Mason University graduate students’ original research and allows students to compete for awards based on the quality of their research and poster presentations. Poster presentations will be evaluated by a panel of qualified judges. The ultimate goals of the contest are to enrich and celebrate students’ groundbreaking research and contribute to the advancement of research across the university community. 

Competition Date & Information 

• Competition Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 

• Location: Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall, Fairfax Campus 

• Set-up: Competitors must bring and set up their posters between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Competitors are also responsible for removing their posters after the competition. 

• Event Time: Students will present their posters for judging in one of two assigned time blocks. Judges will arrive to score posters and ask questions during your assigned time block. If you are not present during your time block, your entry will be disqualified. The time blocks will be assigned between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

• Results: Results will be announced LIVE at the culminating Networking Reception that follows the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Finals on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. All poster presenters must be present at this event for a chance to win. 

Eligibility 

• All George Mason Graduate Students in any graduate degree or certificate program are eligible to participate.  

• The research presented must be original work from the presenting student.  

• The graduate student must be the primary researcher for their particular poster topic. 

• If relevant, the student must have permission from their project/research advisor(s) to publicly share their results. 

Registration for the Research Poster competition 

Registration closes on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 4 p.m. An abstract is required at the time of registration (250 words maximum). Registration will open on Tuesday, August 26, 2025—in the meantime, stay tuned by joining the Graduate Division on Mason360! 

Prepare for Success 

All participants are highly encouraged to attend the Communication Academy workshops on poster design, abstract writing, and conference presentation tips. These free virtual workshops provide valuable skills to your academic journey and will give you the tools needed to develop a competitive edge in the Research Poster Competition! 

Further Information 

For questions, contact Alyssa Bivins, Graduate Professional and Career Development Program Coordinator for the Graduate Division: abivins2@gmu.edu.