AADOCR NSRG Rising Researcher Poster Competition (RRPC)

• Be a trainee prior to enrollment in a graduate or professional program (e.g. undergraduate, pre-dental, postbaccalaureate student, etc.)
• Submit a letter verifying trainee status (e.g. letter from research advisor, school, employer, etc.)  
• Have made major contributions to the research presented 
• Be a student member of AADOCR at time of submission & entry into competition
• Not be a current AADOCR NSRG officer or officer-elect at the time of entry into the competition (past officers are eligible to compete after their term is finished)

If you meet the eligibility requirement and are interested in being considered for this competition, apply for the AADOCR NSRG Rising Researcher Poster Competition (RRPC) in Step 3: Properties when completing your abstract submission.

After abstract submission deadline, submissions are reviewed by the NSRG awards committee on a number of criteria, including abstract clarity, significance, and rigor. A maximum of fourteen (14) finalists will be selected from the abstract review and be notified of their selection in writing. At minimum three finalists are required to hold the competition. 

The finalists will present in-person at the AADOCR Annual Meeting in a separate poster session. Competitors will present their poster in a private, closed session to student and faculty judges under a four minute time constraint, during which the judges will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenter.  

Competitors will then also present their poster as part of the regular, general AADOCR poster sessions in the appropriate Scientific Group and sessions.

Judging Criteria for live presentation:

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?                
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?           
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?                  
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?                 
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?                       
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?                     

Engagement & Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?                   
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?                    
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?                   
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?                   
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?                       
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
• Was the presenter able to answer the question posed to them?

The first-place prize winner will be announced as part of the AADOCR NSRG Student Meeting & Awards Ceremony. The award will consist of a certificate and a monetary award of $500. 

Checks for the award will be mailed after the Annual Meeting.

Honorable mention awards may be given at the discretion of the judges.