Research and Project Expo
Innovate. Integrate. Inspire. - Emerging Trends in STEM
The Research Poster Competition is a platform for researchers, designers, and creative practitioners to showcase work that addresses social, environmental, and community-centred concerns through STEM.
Duration
2 Hours
Team Size
1 - 4 Members
Prize Pool Worth
₹10,000
Registration Fee
₹200 per team
/ Registration
Registrations has closed for this event.
/ Rules
Read before you cross over
- /01Submit digital copy of poster in PDF format only
- /02Include scanned copies of student ID card and govt. ID
- /03Subject line of email submission must include: "Research Poster Competition - For Category [name]"
- /04Late submissions will not be accepted.
- /05All entries must meet the specified format and size requirements to be eligible for screening
/ Prize Pool Worth
What you can win
- •First Prize: ₹3000 Cash Prize + Merit Certificate + Exclusive Memento/Goodies
- •Second Prize: ₹2000 Cash Prize + Merit Certificate + Exclusive Memento/Goodies
- •Third Prize : ₹1000 Cash Prize + Merit Certificate + Exclusive Memento/Goodies
- •Participation certificate
/ Overview
Research Poster Competition Guidelines
- •The Research Poster Competition is a platform for researchers, designers, and creative practitioners to showcase work that addresses social, environmental, and community-centred concerns through STEM.
- •The competition celebrates work that demonstrates innovation, originality, and social impact.
- •It serves as a forum for cross-disciplinary dialogue and aims to build networks among creative practitioners while contributing ideas that address pressing societal issues.
- •Submissions should address present ongoing scientific discoveries, technological advancements, sustainable solutions or futuristic concepts through visually engaging posters.
- •Participants are encouraged to combine creativity how community and public-oriented concerns are integrated into creative and research processes, or demonstrate how art and design practices can be more inclusive, disruptive, and transformative in society.
/ Eligibility & Participation
Who can participate
- •Students pursuing degrees in STEM fields
- •Students from any university or educational institution
- •Individual or team submissions accepted
- •The designated poster presenter must be available to discuss work during the exhibition period
- •The presenter must be present at assigned location during designated presentation time slot
- •Printed poster must be brought by presenter to the competition venue
/ Submission Guidelines
Entry process
- •Submit digital copy of poster in PDF format only
- •Include scanned copies of student ID card and govt. ID
- •Subject line of email submission must include: "Research Poster Competition - For Category [name]"
- •Submit to official competition email address
- •Submission Deadline: 18-05-2026
- •Late submissions will not be accepted.
/ Poster Requirements
What must appear on the poster
- •AUKTAVE 2026 at the top right of the poster
- •Official AUKTAVE 2026 Logo
- •Poster Title/Theme on the top left
- •Relevant Category/Event Name on the top left
- •“Prepared By” section containing Author Name(s), Institutional Affiliation, and Contact Information at the bottom right.
- •Mention the above outside the border of the poster, as mentioned.
/ Poster Categories
STEM research categories
- •Participants must submit their work under one of the following STEM research categories. Projects should demonstrate scientific inquiry, innovation, technical depth, and potential real-world impact.
/ Science Research
Science Research
- •Science Research projects in fundamental and applied sciences including:
- •Physics
- •Chemistry
- •Biology
- •Environmental Science
- •Earth and Space Science
- •Biotechnology
- •Microbiology
- •Mathematical Sciences
/ Technology Research
Technology Research
- •Technology Research focused on computing, digital systems, and emerging technologies including:
- •Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- •Data Science and Analytics
- •Cybersecurity
- •Internet of Things
- •Software and Application Development
- •Cloud Computing
- •Human-Computer Interaction
- •AR?VR and Simulation Technologies
/ Engineering Research
Engineering Research
- •Engineering Research and innovation in engineering disciplines including:
- •Mechanical Engineering
- •Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- •Civil Engineering
- •Robotics and Automation
- •Embedded Systems
- •Mechatronics
- •Aerospace Engineering
- •Renewable Energy Systems
/ Mathematical and Computational Research
Mathematical and Computational Research
- •Mathematical and Computational Research involving mathematical modelling, computation and analytical methods, including:
- •Applied Mathematics
- •Statistical Modelling
- •Computational Science
- •Operations Research
- •Optimization Techniques
- •Numerical Methods
- •Algorithm Design
/ Inter-disciplinary STEM research
Inter-disciplinary STEM Research
- •Inter-disciplinary STEM Research projects integrating multiple STEM domains to address real world challenges, including but not limited to:
- •Smart Cities
- •Sustainable Development
- •Healthcare Technology
- •Climate and Energy Solutions
- •Agricultural Innovation
- •Assistive Technologies
- •STEM for social impact
/ Poster Specifications
Format and production requirements
- •Physical dimensions: 22 inches×28 inches
- •Display limited to one side only
- •Single poster per submission
- •Title, author, co-author names, and institution must be clearly visible
- •Resolution appropriate for printing at specified dimensions
- •Design must be legible and clear when displayed at full size
- •Participants responsible for poster printing costs
- •Organizers do not provide printing services
- •Ensure design is printer-ready and high resolution
/ Design & Content Guidelines
Content balance
- •25% text content
- •45% graphics, images, and visualizations
- •30% white space
/ Design & Content Guidelines
Text and readability
- •Minimize text; use concise, clear language
- •Title banner must be legible from 6 feet away
- •Body text must be legible from 3 feet away
- •Avoid using all capital letters for body text
- •Use title case for headings where appropriate
/ Design & Content Guidelines
Typography
- •Select 2 to 3 font families maximum
- •Maintain consistent font sizing and styling throughout
- •Ensure adequate contrast between text and background
- •Use sans-serif fonts for headers for better visibility
- •Consider readability on various display distances
/ Design & Content Guidelines
Colour scheme
- •Use 2 to 3 primary colours maximum
- •Maintain consistency in colour usage throughout
- •Ensure sufficient contrast for text accessibility
/ Design & Content Guidelines
Visual hierarchy and consistency
- •Organize content to flow logically from section to section
- •Maintain consistent margins throughout
- •Keep line spacing consistent
- •Use uniform border colours, styles, and thickness
- •Apply shading consistently
- •Create clear sections for different content types
/ Design & Content Guidelines
Graphics and visualizations
- •Use high-resolution photographs and images wherever possible
- •Include charts, graphs, and photography to illustrate data
- •Avoid large tables of raw data; use visualizations instead
- •Use visual representation tools appropriate to content type
- •Ensure all graphics are clearly labelled and relevant
- •Sketch diagrams and visual journey representations where applicable
/ Evaluation Criteria
Initial check
- •Layout
- •1. Poor: Neither clean nor straightforward
- •2. Sub-par: Much left to be desired/better
- •3. Acceptable: Some left to be desired/better
- •4. Superior: Information clean, straightforward, organized
- •Science-based order (IMRAD)
- •1. Poor: Much disorder/chaotic, no references
- •2. Sub-par: Some disorder (or missing), no references
- •3. Acceptable: Disorder and references or order without references
- •4. Superior: Good order and one or more references
- •Use of graphics
- •1. Poor: Visually unpleasant
- •2. Sub-par: Much left to be desired / better
- •3. Acceptable: Some left to be desired / better
- •4. Superior: Visually helpful, eye catching, pleasant to eyes
- •Central message communicating (Wordy and / or busy)
- •1. Poor: Very distracting and hard to review / understand (wall of text; very busy and/or very wordy)
- •2. Sub-par: Distracting and hard to quickly review/understand (majority was text; busy and/or wordy)
- •3. Acceptable: Decent communication (some wordiness but could be quickly reviewed/understood)
- •4. Superior: Concise communication (neither busy nor wordy, use of bullet points, easy, and quick to review/understand)
/ Evaluation Criteria
Jury evaluation
- •Clarity (30% of score)
- •Clear interpretation and presentation of theme
- •How inclusive or transformative the work is for audiences
- •Clear explanation of concept and content relationship to theme
- •Originality (20% of score)
- •Ideas presented
- •Data sources and interpretation
- •Conclusions and proposed solutions
- •Uniqueness of approach and perspective
- •Artistic techniques and formal qualities (for visual/performing arts)
- •Creativity (20% of score)
- •Unique perspective and research approach
- •Innovative methodologies
- •Creative presentation of content
- •Originality of outcome (product, service, policy, system, event, etc.)
- •Unique visual expression and imagination
- •Application of materials, tools, and techniques
- •Visual Representation (20% of score)
- •Quality of data visualization and graphics
- •Visual hierarchy and organization of content
- •Continuity and flow throughout poster
- •Graphics and design quality
- •Visual representation of concept and narrative
- •Overall composition and layout
- •Impact (10% of score)
- •Anticipated contribution and demonstrated need
- •Functionality and emotional connection
- •Potential for social impact
- •Message clarity and transmission of ideas
- •Aesthetic and social value
/ Screening & Selection Process
Shortlisting and jury panel
- •Emailed entries would be checked for guideline alliance and appropriateness
- •Top 20 entries among all categories (total 50 entries maximum)
- •Selection based on meeting guidelines and evaluation rubric
- •Screening committee has discretion to reject entries not meeting requirements
- •4 eminent experts constitute jury panel for final judging
- •Jury evaluates posters and presentations
- •Jury decision is final for all award determinations
/ Presentation Requirements
Exhibition and logistics
- •Specific campus and venue location provided in acceptance letter
- •Designated presentation time slot assigned to each presenter
- •Presenter must be present during assigned time slot
- •Live discussion with jury members during presentation period
- •Printed poster must be brought to venue
- •Set-up time provided before presentation
/ Submission Formats & Technical Specifications
Files and documentation
- •Poster submission format: PDF
- •High resolution at print-ready dimensions (300 DPI minimum recommended)
- •Student ID card (scanned copy)
- •any unexpired Government ID
- •Subject line: "Research Poster Competition - For Category [Category Name]"
- •Attach all required documents
- •Use official submission email address provided by organizers
/ Registration & Fees
Cost and coverage
- •Registration Fees : Rs. 200
- •Poster printing costs borne entirely by participants
- •Travel cost not covered by organizers
- •Participants responsible for all production expenses
/ General Guidelines & Tips
Design best practices
- •Posters should stimulate discussion, not serve as full presentation
- •Keep presentation accessible to viewers of varying background knowledge
- •Use visual storytelling to engage diverse audiences
- •Ensure design allows for standing space and interaction
/ General Guidelines & Tips
Content organization
- •Follow logical flow from introduction to conclusion
- •Group related information together
- •Use visual breaks between content sections
- •Number or sequence information where helpful
- •Highlight key findings and conclusions
/ General Guidelines & Tips
Image and photo quality
- •Use original, high-resolution photographs when possible
- •Ensure images are relevant and directly support content
- •Crop or frame images intentionally
- •Provide captions for all images and visualizations
- •Obtain necessary permissions for image use
/ General Guidelines & Tips
Accessibility considerations
- •Verify text and background colour contrast using accessibility tools
- •Provide alternative text or captions for visual-only information
- •Ensure fonts are legible for viewers at distance
/ General Guidelines & Tips
Testing and refinement
- •Complete design well before printing deadline
- •Check for spelling and grammar errors
- •Verify all citations and data accuracy
/ General Guidelines & Tips
Presentation preparation
- •Practice presenting within time constraints
- •Prepare brief summary of key points
- •Anticipate likely questions from audience
- •Arrange supporting materials(handouts, samples), if any, in advance
- •Arrive early to set up and familiarize with the environment
/ Important Notes
Eligibility and compliance
- •All entries must meet the specified format and size requirements to be eligible for screening
- •Entries not received by submission deadline will not be reviewed
- •Entries not meeting technical specifications may be rejected
- •Participants must follow specific email subject line format for proper organization
- •Competition organizers reserve right to photograph posters and presentations for documentation
- •By submitting, participants agree to guidelines and decisions of screening committee and jury
- •For questions regarding specific submissions or technical issues, contact organizers promptly
- •Any form of plagiarism, inappropriate content, or violation of event guidelines may lead to disqualification.
- •The decision of the organizing committee and judges shall be final.
/ Contact & Support
Where to reach out
- •Submission process and technical requirements
- •Registration and fee payment
- •Poster design and content guidance
- •Accessibility accommodations
- •Schedule and venue logistics
- •Award announcements and results
- •Contact the competition organizing committee at the official email address provided during registration.
/ Field Coordinator
Md Saad
Field Coordinator
Khushi Mehta
Field Coordinator
Step into the Upside Down
Registrations has closed for this event.