Art of Imagery: Research Transformed
The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) invites Ontario Tech University graduate and postdoctoral students to take part in our brand new Art of Imagery: Research Transformed showcase. This contest challenges students to explore new ways of thinking about research, its value and how it can be communicated to a broad, non-specialist audience.
Gain valuable experience in presenting your research, receive constructive feedback, and engage with peers, faculty, and the wider community. This showcase serves as a platform to demonstrate the wide scope of innovative research and academic endeavours conducted within our university. By participating, students not only enhance their communication skills but also contribute to a vibrant academic exchange that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Submission Information
To participate, students are challenged to present an image that captures their research and write a general abstract to complement the image, describing their research and its impact. Student can submit a maxiumum of one image per competition year.
Types of Imagery include:
- Photography
- Ilustrations
- Drawings
- Paintings
- Sculptures
- Textiles
- Ceramics/Pottery
This image must be an original, upublished piece taken or created by the student. Please note: Images such as computer-generated or electron microscopy images are accepted. Images of art such as paintings may be submitted but must be arranged with purpose and following criteria.
Image requirements
- High resolution JPEG (min. 3300 x 4200 px, 300 dpi)
- Cropped to 11 x 14" print size before submitting
- File size under 12 MB
Image Title and Abstract:
Your title must be a maximum of 15 words, using jargon-free language. A short primary title with a longer subtitle is accepted, but must remain within a total word count of 20 words.
Your non-specialist abstract should describe your image and how it relates to your thesis research or course of study, using jargon-free, public-friendly language. This abstract must remain within a word count of 1, 200 characters, including spaces.
Important Dates
The 2025 SGPS Research Showcase will be held on November 26 in Charles Hall on Ontario Tech's downtown campus (61 Charles Street, Oshawa). The Art of Imagery: Research Transformed showcase will be from 11 a.m. to noon, with set-up begining at 10:30 a.m.
Date |
Event |
| September 19 | Applications Open |
| October 17 | Applications Close |
| October 29 | Applicant selection completed |
| November 21 | Electronic submission of Poster/Art of Imagery |
|
November 26 |
Art of Imagery Showcase: Research Transformed
Time: 11 a.m. to noon (set-up begins at 10:30 a.m., tear down will begin following the end of the event at noon)
Location: Charles Hall (61 Charles Street, Oshawa)
|
Eligibility
To participate in the Art of Imagery: Research Transformed showcase, students must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below:
- At the time of the showcase, students must be registered in a master's or PhD program or be a current postdoctoral fellow and must have made substantial progress on their research and analysis. Students in programs with a major research project, paper or portfolio may participate. Course-based master's students may submit a poster or Art of Imagery based on work/paper completed in a graduate level course
- PhD and master's students who have defended or submitted their project, paper, or portfolio, but have not yet convocated, are eligible to participate. Additionally, master's students who have convocated and continued on to a PhD program, as well as PhD graduates pursuing post-doctoral research, are also eligible, provided their Art of Imagery reflects their progress and ongoing research since their defense.
- All content must be submitted by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Each student is allowed to present only one image at the event.
Rules
- Participants must set up their imagery at the designated time before the event starts and take them down promptly at the end of the event.
- They should include blurb with a title, and small description of their imagery.
- Participants must be present at their imagery for the entire duration of the imagery session to answer questions and discuss their research.
- Participants should always engage with attendees professionally and respectfully.
- Imagery will be judged based on clarity, originality, research quality, visual appeal, and the ability to answer questions effectively.
- By participating, students agree to allow the university to use photos and descriptions of their posters for promotional purposes.
- Imagery should focus on academic research and should not include commercial advertising or promotion of products/services.
- A winner will be announced at the end of the event, with a prize awarded for Best Overall ($1000).
Judging Criteria for Art of Imagery
Prizes will be awarded across 4 different areas:
- Image Quality
- Composition
- Creativity
- Abstracts/Link between image and research
- More criteria to come!
FAQs
1. What are the allowed dimensions of the poster?The recommended poster dimensions are 11” wide x 14” tall, and a file size smaller than 12 MB for electronic submissions.
2. Who can participate in the SGPS Research Showcase?
The SGPS Research Poster Showcase is open to all Ontario Tech graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, including those in both research-based and course-based programs. This event provides a platform for students from all disciplines to showcase their academic projects, research, or key insights.
3. When are applications accepted until and what if I miss the application deadline?
Applications will be accepted until October 17. Please submit your application by this date to be considered for the event. Unfortunately, late applications cannot be accepted due to the need for planning and logistics. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure your participation.
4. Is there an award for the top posters?
Yes, an award will be given to the top overall based on various criteria. Details on the award categories and prizes will be provided closer to the event.
5. What if I am in a course-based master’s program?
Students in course-based programs are welcome to participate! Whether you have completed a capstone project, case study, or another academic project, this is an opportunity to present your work alongside research-based students.
6. Can I invite friends and family to the event?
Yes, the event is open to the public, and we encourage participants to invite friends, family, and colleagues to attend and support their presentations.
7. Are there any specific software recommendations for creating my poster?
There is no specific software required, but many participants use PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva to design their posters. Ensure that your final poster is exported as a high-resolution PDF to maintain the quality when printed.
8. Do I need to print my own poster, or will the university provide printing services?
Participants are responsible for printing their own posters.
9. What is the format of the event?
The SGPS Research Showcase is an in-person event. Participants will stand beside their posters/imagery during the session, answer questions, and engage with attendees.
10. Can I attend the event even if I’m not presenting?
Yes, the SGPS Research Showcase is open to everyone, including students, faculty, and members of the public who are not presenting. It is a great opportunity to learn about the exciting research and academic projects happening across the university.
11. How can I prepare to present?
We recommend rehearsing your presentation ahead of time to ensure you are comfortable explaining your work concisely and clearly. Consider practicing with colleagues or supervisors and be prepared to answer questions about your methods, findings, and the broader implications of your work.
12. What should I wear to the SGPS Research Showcase?
Business casual attire is recommended for the event. Presenters should aim to appear professional, as they will be engaging with judges, faculty members, and other attendees.
Submit your application - Coming Soon!
We invite you to join us for the SGPS Research Showcase and take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase your research and/or academic achievements and ideas.
Please Note: Submitting an application does not guarantee participation in the SGPS Research Showcase. Depending on the number of applications received, participants may be selected to ensure balanced representation across all faculties. We appreciate your understanding as we work to curate a diverse and equitable list of participants.