All applicants must follow the guidelines below to be considered for a Research Presentation at the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference. 
 

1. A complete SACNAS research presentation application will contain: 

• Title of abstract 

• A complete abstract (word limit is 250 maximum), which includes:

• A hypothesis or statement about the problem under investigation

• A statement of the experimental methods/materials used

• Results provided in summary form (even if preliminary)

• Conclusion

• The full names and degrees of each author (Include the order of authors)

• Approval from your principal investigator (PI) for submission and publication of your abstract 

Note: No graphics or schema (charts) are allowed. Do not add citations in your abstract. 

2. Applications must be received through the online abstract submission system by the assigned deadline.

• No email or late submissions will be accepted (It is recommended that you submit your abstract with ample time prior to the deadline to avoid any technical issues) 

• All submissions are final.  

• Only one abstract submission per student is acceptable. (A student with multiple applications will automatically be rejected) 

TIP: Double-check for grammatical errors before submitting your application. 

3. Students working on the same research project are required to submit unique abstracts written in their own words. If identical abstracts are submitted, all applications will be immediately disqualified from the NDiSTEM Conference.

4. If you conducted your research as an undergraduate student but will be a graduate student in the fall at the time of the conference, you must submit an undergraduate application.

5. Graduate students who have previously given an oral presentation at a SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference are not eligible to apply for an oral presentation. However, they are encouraged to apply for a poster presentation. Graduate students who have never given an oral presentation at a SACNAS conference are welcome to apply for an oral presentation. 

6. Presentation acceptance neither provides you with free registration nor automatically qualifies you for a SACNAS Travel Scholarship. You must submit a SACNAS Travel Scholarship application to be considered. All accepted Research Presenters must register for the conference by their respective registration dates listed in the table above. 

1. Each abstract will be reviewed by SACNAS independent, scientific volunteer reviewers.

2. Abstract submissions (poster and oral) are reviewed based on the criteria outlined below:

   1. A title that effectively identifies the research project

   2. Use of correct grammar and scientific terminology

   3. Explanation of why the research was conducted, while clearly stating the hypothesis, question, purpose, and aim or goal

   4. Brief discussion on how the study was conducted (methods)

   5. Description of the project’s results (or anticipated results) and project impact 

3. The final decision on presentation acceptance is made based on the average score from reviewers. All abstract review decisions are final.

Accepted Applicants 

No dual presenters with the same poster are allowed. The purpose of presenting a poster is to allow you to have a one-on-one conversation with a Mentor Judge and to practice presenting your research on your own. No exceptions. 

No dual presenters with the same poster are allowed. The purpose for presenting a poster is to allow you to have a one-on-one conversation with a mentor judge and to practice presenting your research on your own. No exceptions!

• SACNAS Student Applications Workshop

• How to Write a Successful Abstract

• How to Prepare an Elevator Pitch

Click here to read our policy and procedures.

Q1: If I submit a Research Presentation application does that mean I automatically applied for the Travel Scholarship or vice versa?
A: No. If you would like to apply for a SACNAS Travel Scholarship, you must submit a separate application.

Q2: Can I present my research with a partner who worked on the same project?
A: No. We do not permit dual presenters with the same poster. The purpose for presenting a poster is to allow you to have a one-on-one conversation with a mentor judge and to practice presenting your research on your own.

Q3: If there are two presenters working on the same project, can we both submit the same abstract?
A: No. You may not submit the same abstract. Each applicant must submit an abstract written in their own words. Note: If identical abstracts are submitted, all applications will be immediately disqualified from presenting at the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference.

• Community college, undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students may apply for the poster presentation opportunity

• Graduate students may apply to give a poster or oral presentation (must select one)

• Post-doctoral researchers may apply to give an oral presentation

Q1: What size poster board will be available?

A: The board itself is 8’ (feet) x 4’ (feet). Keep in mind your audience should be able to read your poster from 4 (four) feet away. We recommend your poster size be either 48″ (inches) x 32″ (inches) or 48″ (inches) x 42″ (inches).

Q2: Am I required to have my abstract on my poster?

A: No, but check with your PI for their preference.

Q3: Can SACNAS reimburse me for printing my poster?

A: No. Unfortunately, SACNAS cannot reimburse you for ANY printing or shipping pertaining to your poster.

Q4: Can I carry my poster on a plane?

A: Yes. You will have to count it as one of your carry-ons. We recommend you put your poster in a plastic tube to avoid damage. Be sure to write your contact information on the poster in case it is lost or misplaced.

Q5: What happens to my poster if I do not take it down?

A: SACNAS is not responsible for posters that have not been taken down at the designated time; unclaimed posters will be discarded.

Q6: Do I need to stay by my poster during the two-hour session?

A: Yes. You need to stand by your poster for the entire two hours. This provides a great opportunity for private interactions with your judge as well as other conference attendees.

Q7: What time do I set up my poster?

A: Your poster set-up time will be sent to you in a final email if you are accepted as a presenter. All supplies necessary for hanging your poster (push pins) will be made available to you at the conference.

Q8: Do I need to present on Thursday and Friday?

A: No. You will only be allowed to present on one of the two days. Your assigned date will be emailed to you. If you do not receive your assigned date three weeks before the conference, please email presentations@sacnas.org.

Q9: How long should my poster presentation be?

A: Your poster presentation should be no more than 10 minutes. Extra time can be allocated for questions and answers.

Q10: How long should my oral presentation be?

A: Your oral presentation should be 15 minutes, including questions and answers.

Q1: What is the deadline for accepting the invitation to present at the SACNAS NDiSTEM conference?

A: Once notified you have been accepted to present, you will be given a deadline to accept your presentation and a deadline to register for the conference, via email. If you do not accept or register on time you will be automatically disqualified from presenting at the SACNAS conference.

Q2: What should I do if I can no longer present and need to cancel my abstract?

A: Immediately contact us at presentations@sacnas.org to cancel your presentation.