Session Proposals

Share Your Expertise

2025 Call for Session Proposals is Open!

SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advance degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. At the 2025 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, our community can learn and grow together through two types of sessions: STEM Symposia and Professional Development. Submit your sessions before the deadlines below – note there are two different deadlines this year. Don’t hesitate to share your expertise with the SACNAS community - start your proposal today!

Start a STEM Symposia Proposal

Start a Professional Development Proposal

Session Panel (rounded corners)

Mark Your Calendar

   Key Dates

 

   Submission Period opens at 9am PT

February 6

   Professional Development Proposal Deadline at 11:59pm PT

   STEM Symposia Proposal Deadline at 11:59pm PT

March 28

April 4

   Review Period

April - May

   Selection Process

June

   Notification Date

On or after June 10th

   Participation Confirmation

One week after Notification

   Speaker Orientation

September

   NDiSTEM Conference in Columbus, Ohio

October 30 - November 1

 


Session Proposal Tips & FAQs

Detailed Descriptions

Make sure to include as many relevant details as possible in the submission form. The most common scorecard critique is a lack of detail or description in a given section. Make sure you provide them at the right question.

Areas of Diversity

The best proposals include as much diversity as possible; while diversity in presenter identity is important, we also look for diversity in disciplines and institutions.

Solo-Presenters

SACNAS strongly discourages solo-presenters. We would only allow sessions with a single presenter if the presenter was the only viable subject matter expert for the session topic.

Session Manager

This person is identified in the submission form and serves as the liaison between SACNAS and the session speakers regarding the logistics of their session. Select them wisely!

NDISTEM Registration

Speakers are responsible for their full registration fees, travel, and accommodation expenses. SACNAS does not issue refunds. Session selection notices will go out in mid June.

Detailed Descriptions

Make sure to include as many relevant details as possible in the submission form. The most common scorecard critique is a lack of detail or description in a given section. Make sure you provide them at the right question.

Areas of Diversity

The best proposals include as much diversity as possible; while diversity in presenter identity is important, we also look for diversity in disciplines and institutions.

Solo-Presenters

SACNAS strongly discourages solo-presenters. We would only allow sessions with a single presenter if the presenter was the only viable subject matter expert for the session topic.

Session Manager

This person is identified in the submission form and serves as the liaison between SACNAS and the session speakers regarding the logistics of their session. Select them wisely!

NDISTEM Registration

Speakers are responsible for their full registration fees, travel, and accommodation expenses. SACNAS does not issue refunds. Session selection notices will go out in mid June.

Submission Details

Session Types

SACNAS hosts two different kinds of sessions throughout the annual NDiSTEM Conference:

  • STEM Symposia consist of discipline-specific talks and panels highlighting research and advancements in STEM fields.

  • Professional Development consist of trainings and informational workshops for students and professionals. 

STEM Symposia Components & Requirements

STEM symposia sessions share cutting-edge research, ideas, and industry knowledge from community members who are experts in their STEM disciplines. This includes original research, advancements, and multidisciplinary approaches to the STEM fields. Deadline to submit this type of proposal is April 4, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.

Format and Requirements:

  • Style: A moderated series of presentations discussing papers or technical talks followed by a Q&A.

  • Speakers:  A minimum of three individual talks are required.

  • Format: The 2025 NDiSTEM conference is 100% in-person, and session speakers will be required to attend on-site in Columbus, Ohio.

  • Time: Total 75 minutes – approximately 10-15 minutes per talk, including a session introduction and a closing question and answer period managed by the chair.

  • Audience: STEM students, postdocs, and professionals.

STEM Symposia Submission Form Worksheet

Professional Development Components & Requirements

Professional development sessions provide our attendees with guidance and training in beyond-the-bench skills. Support your intended audience by developing professional skills to help them refine their career choices and/or make successful transitions. Deadline to submit this type of proposal is March 28, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.

Format and Requirements:

  • Style: The goal is to have active audience engagement; propose a format that suits your submission best (e.g. interactive panels, hands-on demonstration, skills practice, small group discussion, Q&A, etc).

  • Speakers: A minimum of two speakers are required, a chair is optional.

  • Format: the 2025 NDiSTEM conference is 100% in-person, and session speakers will be required to attend on-site in Columbus, Ohio.

  • Time: Total 75 minutes.

  • Audiences: Undergraduates, grad students, postdocs, and professionals – you may tailor your session for one or more of these audiences.

  • Topic Areas: We are interested in sessions relevant to STEM students and professionals at all levels. We are seeking proposals on:

    • Academic Career (i.e. Graduate School Application: Developing a Personal Statement)

    • Industry, Government, Non-Profit, or Policy Career (i.e. Navigating Non-Academic Careers: Exploring STEM Start-up Companies)

    • Mentorship (i.e. Choosing the Right Advisor)

    • Networking (i.e. Using Social Networks Professionally, How to Build/Expand your Network of Support)

    • Science Communication (i.e. Scientists are people too! Using storytelling to connect people to your science.)

    • STEM Policy/Ethics (i.e. Ethical Issues, Career Opportunities in STEM and Policy)

    • Skills for Success (i.e. CV/Resume 101, Management Skills for Scientists)

Professional Development Submission Form Worksheet

Submission Instructions

1. Log-in or Sign-up on the Submission Website
This call for proposal is open to the wider SACNAS Community and a membership to the organization is not required for this program.
• SACNAS Members: All existing SACNAS members must use their SACNAS login button to access their membership record first. After logging in, you will be prompted to share your membership profile with the online submission portal - this will help auto-populate your information in the proposal form. After sharing your profile, you will automatically be redirected to the home page to start a proposal.
• Non-Members: Register with a new account by clicking on My Account and either logging in using their pre-existing credentials or by creating a new user account on the right-hand side. If you have you have a SACNAS membership account associated with your email address you will not be able to create a new account.


2. Start a proposal
Once you are logged in you will find yourself on the submission portal's Home Page, from there: Scroll to "NDiSTEM Sessions Proposals" and click on the appropriate link to begin a proposal. Not sure what proposal to submit? Check the “Session Types” section above these instructions. You can save your
proposal and return to complete it at your convenience by clicking "Save" at the bottom of the submission form.


3. Submit a proposal
Professional Development Proposals Due Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11 :59pm PT.
STEM Symposia Proposals Due Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11 :59pm PT.

To return to an existing proposal, log back into the submission portal and navigate to "My Applications" and you'll find the proposal under the "Incomplete" category. Once you are ready to submit your proposal for review, open the proposal and navigate to the last page and click "Submit Proposal for Review" - submitted proposals can no longer be edited, if you are not done yet simply click save at the bottom of the window. Once a proposal is submitted a confirmation page will appear with next steps. The person listed as the Point of Contact in the submission form will receive a confirmation email and all communications moving forward.

 


 

Collaborator Instructions
Once you start a session proposal form in the submission portal, you can add and remove collaborators to the proposal, but only the owner of the session proposal form can submit it for review. For detailed instructions click here.

Scoring Rubrics

Scoring Rubrics are available to help you fill out the submission form:

Proposal Selection takes place in three phases:

  1. Volunteer Review*: completed submissions are reviewed by independent STEM volunteers using the rubrics above

  2. Committee Review: submissions are then reviewed by a working group from the SACNAS Conference Subcommittee

  3. SACNAS Staff selection: finally, all scores are aggregated to help SACNAS select the best sessions for the conference

All submitters will be notified of the status of their proposal mid-June.

*Volunteer reviewers cannot be affiliated with a proposal, for more information on volunteer requirements visit HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Present at NDiSTEM?

Benefits of presenting a session include:

  1. Contributing to advances in your field

  2. Reaching the SACNAS Community

  3. Networking within your field and beyond

  4. Serving as a role model

What is required of Session Speakers?

Session speakers, which include chairs, panelists, presenters, moderators, and any other role that requires participation in a session, are expected to meet the following requirements: 

  • Attend the NDiSTEM Conference in person. The 2025 NDiSTEM Conference will take place October 30 - November 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. In the event a speaker can no longer attend in person, it is recommended that their talk is pre-recorded and the video file downloaded to a USB key to play onsite by another speaker present. 

  • Purchase Registration. Registration fees are dependent on the speaker's career level, membership status, and how early they register. SACNAS does not issue refunds - any registration fees paid cannot be refunded - in full or in part.

  • Sign the NDiSTEM Conference Code of Conduct at the time of registration. 

  • Keep their session to the 75 minutes provided.

  • NDiSTEM is a noncommercial forum and under no circumstances may a breakout session be used as a place for direct promotion of a presenter's product, service or monetary self-interest. Sales pitches disguised as presentations will not be considered.

  • Session speakers will be disqualified from reviewing session proposals but are welcome to review student applications

Where can I recruit speakers to join my session?

We encourage you to reach out to your network. SACNAS Members have access to a member directory via the SACNAS Membership Portal

Should I become a member?

At SACNAS, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not abstract concepts or buzz words. They are values and the heartbeat of our programs. They are part of our DNA. We create space where STEM students and professionals from historically underrepresented populations can feel like they belong, can embrace their intersectional identities, and be empowered to bring their whole selves to STEM. We invite you to become a member to gain year-round access to our member community, programs, services, and events designed to inspire and advance you in your STEM journey! Learn more and sign up at sacnas.org/memberships.

Additional Questions or Need Help?

If you need further assistance, please email the SACNAS Conference & Events Team at sessions@sacnas.org.

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2025 Exhibiting Interest Form

Inquire Here

Research Presentations

Learn More

Volunteer Opportunities

Learn More

Return to Conference Home

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