The Research Poster Competition is part of the annual Postgraduate Research Festival, the University’s largest postgraduate researcher (PGR) event. It’s your chance to create a research poster for a general audience, promote your work, and connect with researchers from across the University.
This year’s competition takes place during the Postgraduate Research Festival on Tuesday 24 June 2025. To participate, simply complete the form on our Call for Abstracts with your draft title and abstract by 23:59 2 March 2025.
Who Can Take Part?
We welcome all PGRs from the University of Birmingham’s five Colleges.
Whether you’re researching diversity in publishing, pioneering cancer treatments, or challenging age-old theorems, we want to celebrate your work!
Why Participate?
The competition offers numerous benefits, including:
- Enhancing communication skills: Learn to present your research clearly to non-specialist audiences and hone your public engagement skills.
- Receiving feedback: Get constructive input from peers, academics, and external partners to improve your research and presentation skills.
- Networking opportunities: Meet other PGRs and professionals to explore collaborations and career prospects.
- Boosting your CV: Showcase your commitment to your field and your ability to communicate effectively.
- Building confidence: Presenting in a supportive environment helps you grow academically and professionally.
- Promoting your research: Raise awareness of the impact and importance of your work.
- Conference practise: Gain valuable experience creating and presenting research posters for academic events.
Will there be any prizes for the Competition?
Posters and presentations are evaluated by a panel of judges that are from a wide variety of backgrounds including academics and professional members of staff.
The prizes for 2025 are:
- First Prize: £400
- Second Prize: £300
- Third Prize: £200
- People's Choice Award: £150
- EPS College Prize: £150
- LES College Prize: £150
- CAL College Prize: £150
- CoSS College Prize: £150
- CMH College Prize: £150
- Research into Sustainability: £100
- Research in Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity: £100
- Collaborative Research: £100
Plus, in recognition of University of Birmingham’s 125th Anniversary as England’s first civic university and its ongoing commitment to civic engagement, a special prize for 2025 will be awarded to the best poster on civic doctoral research:
- 125th Anniversary Award for Civic Research: £100
What’s Involved?
PGRs will create an A1 poster showcasing their research. Shortlisted applicants will gain access to a Canvas course with detailed guidance and resources to help them prepare their poster.
Key Dates and Events:
- Abstract/Title Deadline: 23:59 2 March 2025
- Competition Day: 24 June 2025
- Judging Period: 9:00-12:00 (in-person attendance required unless distance learner) on 24 June
- Public Poster Viewing: 13:45–14:30 (optional but encouraged for in-person participants) on 24 June
Eligibility
The competition is open to all registered PGRs (full-time, part-time, and distance learners) who can attend on 24 June 2025, either in person or online (for distance learners). Please note, this competition is not open to postgraduate taught (PGT) students, though they are welcome to attend the Festival.
Ready to Apply?
Complete the form on our Call for Abstracts with your draft title and abstract by 2 March 2025. If shortlisted, you’ll receive all the support you need to create a fantastic poster.
Make the most of this opportunity to showcase your research, build valuable skills, and connect with the wider University community. We can’t wait to see your work!