Welcome to the From Abstract to Contract
Graduate Student Research and Creative Expression Competition

Sponsored by:
Office of the Provost
Vice Provost for Research and Economic Development
Career Development Center
Graduate School and International Education
Division of Agriculture

What is it?

From Abstract to Contract is a research presentation competition for graduate students. We encourage all grad students to participate. You must register online by December 3, 2012 and give us a description of your research or creative expression project. During October and November visit with your advisor or major professor to decide what you will present. The competition will be held on Friday, February 8, 2013, as part of Graduate Education Week.

Who can participate?

From Abstract to Contract is open to ALL graduate students currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas.

Why should I participate?

From Abstract to Contract provides students with the opportunity to practice presenting their research, putting together a professional display, and to gain valuable skills that allow you to get the most out of attending a conference or professional meeting. From Abstract to Contract is not just a competition, we also present workshops to help you prepare your research, network effectively, and search for jobs after you graduate.

Did you say competition?

Yes! This is a competition. There will be up to eight students in each group that represent a similar area of research, and in each group there will be a first and second place winner. Each presenter that shows up and displays her/his research will have their work judged by one faculty member and one experienced graduate student. Based on the judges’ comments and reviews, the first place winner in each group will receive $200 and the second place winner in each group will receive $100. That means that even before you start, there’s at least a 25% chance that you could win some money for all your hard work!

What will I be presenting?

Depending on your area of study, you may present your research in a number of different formats: a poster, a paper with a poster, a creative display, etc. For more information on display type, guidelines and requirements, please see our Instructions for Student Participants page.

Ok, I’m in…now what?

Please look at the links in the left hand column of this page. There you will find links to the registration page, instructions for student participants, workshop information, important dates and more. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Dawn Farver (dfarver@uark.edu) for more information.

For Faculty Advisors

Please encourage your students to participate. This is a great opportunity for them to gain some experience and spread the word about the excellent research going on at the University of Arkansas. Please take note of the following information:

• We ask that departments pay for their student’s poster printing cost or other display cost. Heather Jorgensen in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will print posters for $40 (interdepartmental transfer only, please)
• Please critique and approve your student’s submission about three weeks prior to the competition so they have time to make changes—we want this to be a quality learning experience for each student.
• Please attend the competition to support your student, and encourage your other graduate students and undergraduate students to attend as well.
• For more detailed instructions please see the Instructions for Advisors page