TAMEST Protégé Poster Challenge Guidelines

Protégé Poster Challenge Overview

The TAMEST Protégé Poster Challenge recognizes research and technology that could have significant impact on scientific understanding and society. This opportunity provides protégés a chance to showcase their research and innovation to research and industry leaders, including National Academy members, business leaders and the greater scientific research community in Texas.

Posters fall into four categories: medicine, engineering, science and technology. Posters do not need to match this year’s conference theme: Frontiers of Discovery: Exploring from the Quantum to the Cosmos.

Four finalists, chosen by a panel of judges, and an Audience Choice Winner, voted on by Conference attendees, will present their posters on the main stage of the TAMEST Conference to all attendees.

Eligibility

To participate in the poster challenge, Protégés must meet the following criteria:

• Nominated by a TAMEST member and approved by TAMEST
• Registered for the TAMEST 2027 Annual Conference
• Available to present poster in person at the conference the afternoon of Tuesday, February 2, 2027
• If selected as a finalist or winner of the Audience Choice category: available to attend VIP breakfast and present on stage on Wednesday, February 3, 2027

How to Enter

• Submit abstract here by December 14, 2026
• Limit of one abstract per protégé
• Need help? See this example abstract and poster summary
• Write for a broad audience, as judges come from diverse scientific fields

Abstract Judging Criteria:

• Clarity of Research: Is the research question or problem clearly stated and accessible to a broad, multidisciplinary audience?
• Summary of Key Findings: Does the abstract effectively highlight the essential elements and outcomes of the research?
• Potential Impact: Does the research demonstrate potential for advancing scientific understanding and/or contributing positively to society?

Judging Process

• Abstract Review: TAMEST judges will review and score all abstracts, selecting 20 posters to be judged in person at the conference.
• In-Person Judging (for Top 20): Protégés will give a 5-minute presentation to the judges, covering their main research question, key findings, methods and impact.
• Finalists: From the top 20, one finalist will be chosen per category (one each in the categories of medicine, engineering, science, technology). The four finalists and Audience Choice Award winner will give 5-minute on-stage presentations on Wednesday, February 3.
• Grand Prize: After on-stage presentations on Wednesday, February 3, judges will select one Grand Prize Winner.

Protégé Viewing And Audience Choice Award

All protégés, including those not selected among the top 20 finalists, are encouraged to display their posters during the conference. This is a valuable opportunity to showcase research and build connections with conference attendees, including National Academy members.

All protégés who display a poster are also eligible for the Audience Choice Award, which recognizes the poster receiving the most votes from conference attendees during the audience viewing session. The winner of the Audience Choice Award has the opportunity to present their poster on stage to conference attendees.

Awards and Recognition

All Participants

• Share research with National Academy members
• Networking Protégé reception, Monday, February 1
• Networking Protégé breakfast, Tuesday, February 2
• Name & photo in program

Poster Size & Display

• Usable display area: 6 ft wide x 4 ft high
• Extra tables, easels, or display items are not permitted
• Design poster for readability and visual impact within space

Full Timeline

Questions about the conference schedule? Click here to access the 2027 Annual Conference agenda.

Questions? Contact TAMEST Program Manager Ana Licón at ana.licon@austin.utexas.edu.