2026 UVA Postdoc Research Symposium
Event date and location: 17 April, the Contemplative Commons
The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and the UVA Postdoctoral Association are excited to host the 2026 UVA Postdoc Research Symposium. This event brings together postdocs from across disciplines to celebrate research excellence, strengthen our postdoctoral community, and share innovative work with the broader UVA community.
Join us for a dynamic day of engaging research talks, interactive showcases, and networking opportunities with UVA postdocs, faculty, staff, and invited guests. Whether you’re presenting or attending, the Symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be inspired by the impactful research happening across UVA.
Abstract submission is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract for the upcoming Lightning Talk and Research Showcase! While the call for presentations has ended, registration for attendance remains open until April 3, 2026. Join us for a full day of networking, career development, and exploring the impactful research of your colleagues.
Important Dates
Feb. 25 – Postdoc Symposium 101 workshop
Mar. 4 – How to Design an Engaging Lightning Talk workshop
Mar. 6, 9, 12 (2-4 pm) – Peer Review & Feedback Sessions (Brown Library, 148)
Mar. 11 – How to Design an Effective Research Poster workshop
Mar. 16 (11:59 pm) – Deadline to submit Lightning Talk Abstract and Research Showcase Poster Abstract (Abstract submission is now closed.)
Mar. 23–27 – Preliminary Round of Lightning Talk (Brown Library, 148)
Mar. 30 – Presenters will be notified about the Final Competition
Apr. 3 – Symposium Registration Deadline
Apr. 17 – 2026 Postdoc Research Symposium (Final Competition and Event)
Call For Abstracts
Abstract submission is now closed. Registration for attendance remains open until April 3, 2026.
We are now accepting abstract submissions to present at the 2026 UVA Postdoc Research Symposium in one of the following presentation categories:
5-Minute Lightning Talks
Lightning Talks are short, high-impact 5-minute presentations designed to communicate your research story to a broad, non-specialized audience. Using storytelling and dynamic slides, presenters will highlight the key aspects of their work and its broader impact, with an emphasis on clarity, creativity, and accessibility.
This year, Lightning Talks will be presented as a competitive showcase, with prizes awarded to the top three presentations: first place ($1,000), second place ($750), and third place ($500), as well as an Audience Choice Award ($500).
To select the 12 postdocs finalists (10 UVA and 2 VT) featured in the Lightning Talk session at the Symposium, a preliminary selection round will be held during the week of March 23-27, 2026. Participation in this preliminary round is required for all Lightning Talk applicants.
To support presenters, training materials and presentation guidance will be provided by members of the PhD Plus team, including a workshop on Designing an Engaging Lightning Talk session on March 4th (3:00-4:30 pm).
Here is the submission guidelines. The deadline for Lightning Talk abstract submissions is March 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Research Showcase
The Research Showcase Competition invites postdocs from all disciplines to present their research in a way that is clear, creative, and accessible to a broad audience. Participants are encouraged to choose the format that best communicates their work:
Traditional poster (36 × 42 inches) that provides an engaging overview of your research. The poster (e.g., storytelling, infographics, interactive, concept map, etc.) should be clear and compelling to a non-specialist audience, or
Alternative format, such as a tabletop prototype or demonstration, a short laptop-based pitch, or another creative presentation style. (This year’s Postdoctoral Symposium welcomes alternative presentation formats—such as models, prototypes, demonstrations, or interactive visualizations—all of which are eligible for the Research Showcase competition. Alternative formats must receive prior approval and be independently supported by the presenter with minimal external resources. The planning team will do its best to accommodate requests and provide necessary logistical support, such as tables and space.)
To participate, applicants must submit a 150–200 word abstract by March 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Abstracts should provide a concise overview of the research, including background, aims, approach or methodology, key results or expected outcomes, conclusions, and broader impact. Submissions should be written for a non-specialized audience and avoid disciplinary jargon. The top three scoring presentations will receive awards as follows: first place ($500), second place ($300), and third place ($200).
Abstract and Printing Guidelines for Posters
Abstract Requirements
- Abstracts (150 words or less) must capture an overview of the research, including background, aim(s), methodology, key results, conclusions, and broader impact, and be written for a non-specialized audience. Be sure to avoid jargon in your submission.
- All presenters must register and submit their abstracts before the deadline on March 16th. Abstracts will be evaluated and feedback will be provided to each submission.
Printing and Dimensions
UVA and VT postdocs who have their abstract selected are eligible to have their poster printed for free by the UVA Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs and VT Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
The final version of the poster must be uploaded to the UVA Box folder before the deadline on April 9th.
The maximum poster dimensions are 36 inches (height) x 42 inches (width).
Please prepare to present your poster in 3-5 minutes.
Please register HERE to attend the Symposium and/or submit an abstract. Registration is strongly encouraged to ensure you receive important event updates and logistical details.
2026 Research Presentation Series Session
- Time: March 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM
- Format: Hybrid (Brown Library Room 133 | Register for Zoom link)
For poster preparation for the Research Showcase Competition, join “How to Design an Effective Research Poster” hosted by PhD Plus! To learn more info and register for the workshop HERE.
For questions, please contact Valentina Ekimova ([email protected]).
We look forward to connecting with you!