All BPI researchers are invited to participate in the BPI Connect 2026 Showcase Competition on December 4th. This event serves as a celebration of their dedication and passion, providing an opportunity to showcase excellence on a larger stage. The aim is to inspire continuous refinement of communication skills, ensuring that the impact of research resonates effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Eligibility
- UBC students and postdocs who work within or collaborate with BPI research groups can apply, either as an individual or a team of no more than 3 people.
Topics
- Presentation topics should align with BPI research themes.
- Ensure that your presentation is not a broad overview of your research team; instead, concentrate on a specific research or applied research area where you are actively engaged. Highlight a significant outcome or work in progress, demonstrating its impact on society. The outcome doesn't have to be physical; it should, however, exhibit a tangible or conceptual contribution to the betterment of society.
Presentation Materials
- Physical Prop/Demo:
- Create and bring a demo or prop to showcase on or around a 30"x48" table.
- Tabletop posters or laptops/monitors can be used for your display.
- Bring all necessary materials, including power extensions, small poster boards, and any additional equipment.
- Large 8' poster boards from the LSC are NOT allowed due to space limitations.
- Oral Presentation (Competition Participants Only):
- Deliver a 1-minute TED-style presentation on stage, supported by a single PowerPoint slide.
- Presentations can be made by an individual or the entire team.
- No podium will be used—participants will be using a lapel mic.
- Check out last year’s presentations on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eAxLBVBFRgA?si=UG2UCMwf_sPPArwj
- If you need to replace your PowerPoint slide, email the latest version to event.bpi@ubc.ca by no later than November 30.
Judging Panel
- Best Showcase and Climate Impact Awards:
- EDII Excellence Award:
- Admin:
Judging Criteria
Best Showcase Award
- Content & Appearance
- Application matching BPI scope and possible impacts
- Effective display of science and technology, understandable to both non-scientific and scientific audiences
- Creativity and quality of demo materials to enhance the message
- Aesthetic appeal of the overall booth or table layout
- Design appeal of the PowerPoint slide
- Communication Skills
- Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex concepts during the stage presentation, making them understandable to both scientific and general audiences
- Effective use of body languages on stage (i.e., eye contact, vocal variety, gestures)
- Knowledge and enthusiasm about the research and its impacts, as presented on stage
- Professionalism in hosting the table demo
- Skill in addressing judges' questions and engaging in discussions at the booth
Climate Impact Award
- Climate Impact & Potential
How effectively does the project address climate challenges such as carbon reduction, resource conservation, or adaptation? Consider its potential impact on emissions, resource use, and community well-being. - Feasibility & Scalability
Is there a realistic pathway for the project to be implemented and expanded in real-world settings? - Communication & Engagement
How clearly does the presenter explain the project’s climate impact to both scientific and general audiences? Do they inspire confidence in its value and potential to make a difference?
EDI.I Excellence Award
- Impact: Show your research's potential for significant contributions to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity
- Community Engagement: Demonstrate your strategies for meaningful community engagement in your research process, addressing inclusivity across gender, race, age, cultural backgrounds, Indigenous communities, or underrepresented groups
- Data Collection & Analysis: Highlight how your data collection mitigates biases, and your analysis and reporting processes take diversity factors into account
- Accessible Dissemination: Present your findings in formats accessible to all, using inclusive language and clearly explaining technical terms, while acknowledging contributions from diverse groups
*Participants will be assessed based on the effectiveness of their communication, not on language fluency, to ensure a fair evaluation for everyone, regardless of their native language.
*For your oral presentation on stage, Adhere to the 1-minute time limit. You will be clapped down at the end of the 1 minute. The oral presentation may be delivered by a team of up to 3 individuals.
*The criteria above are subject to change.
Prizes
- Best Showcase Awards (2 awarded) : $500 travel and educational award + $100 Visa gift card
- Climate Impact Award : $500 travel and educational award + $100 Visa gift card
- EDI.I Excellence Award : $500 travel and educational award + $100 Visa gift card
- People's Choice Award : $100 Visa gift card
Timeline
- 09:00 AM-10:00 AM Booth setup
- 10:00 AM-10:30 AM Showcase booths open for evaluation
- 10:30 AM-11:00 AM Welcome & Keynote
- 11:00 AM-11:30 PM Flash 1-min presentations on stage
- 11:30 AM-12:00 PM Showcase booths open for evaluation
- 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Networking lunch (Showcase booths remain open until 12:30 PM, when lunch begins for showcase participants.)
- 1:00 PM-1:35 PM Keynotes & ATR Update
- 1:35 PM-1:50 PM Award ceremony
Showcase Presentations
Please note that the list below is subject to change.
Competition Group
- All teams are evaluated for the Best Showcase and Climate Solutions Impact Awards.
- Teams marked with an asterisk (*) are also evaluated for the EDI.I Excellence Award.
- Only individuals marked with an asterisk (*) will go on stage for an oral presentation.
Non-Competition Group
Abstracts
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at contact.bpi@ubc.ca. Thank you.
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