TAMEST Protégé Poster Challenge Guidelines

Awards and Recognition

Four finalists will receive:

• $20,000 in research funding from Lyda Hill Philanthropies
• Invitation to an exclusive VIP breakfast with the TAMEST Board Presidency and other special guests during the TAMEST Conference
• Opportunity to present research on the main stage of the TAMEST Conference (5-minute presentation)
• Recognition and visibility, including post-event publicity and a certificate of achievement
• Complimentary registration to the TAMEST 2027 Annual Conference

Protégé Poster Challenge Overview

TAMEST Protégés are invited to participate in the Protégé Poster Challenge – an exclusive opportunity to showcase groundbreaking research to Texas’ top scientists, engineers and industry leaders at the TAMEST 2026 Annual Conference. New this year, four finalists will each receive $20,000 in research funding from Lyda Hill Philanthropies. This is more than just a challenge – it’s protégés’ chance to showcase their research ideas, share their passions, and gain visibility with influential experts who can help propel their work to the next level.

Space for the Protégé Poster Challenge is limited, and will be extended on a first-come, first-served basis. Posters will be organized into one of four categories: medicine, engineering, science and technology. One finalist will be selected for each category. Posters do not need to align with the overall theme of the meeting, Pioneering Climate Innovations.

The Protégé Poster Challenge is open to all protégés that have been nominated by a TAMEST member, approved by TAMEST and are registered for the TAMEST 2026 Annual Conference. Protégés will be emailed with details on how to participate in the Protégé Poster Challenge.

Audience Choice Award

All Protégé Poster Challenge participants are eligible for the Audience Choice Award. Conference attendees will vote for their favorite poster to be awarded Audience Choice Winner during the poster viewing session on February 3, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

The Audience Choice Winner will receive:

• $500 VISA gift card
• Invitation to an exclusive VIP breakfast with the TAMEST Board Presidency and other special guests at the TAMEST Conference
• Opportunity to present research on the main stage of the TAMEST Conference (5-minute presentation)
• Post-event publicity and certificate of recognition
• Complimentary registration to the TAMEST 2027 Annual Conference

Timeline