RCAF

The programming team of the GPC is excited to announce that applications are now open for RCAF 2025, scheduled to take place on the 23rd of April 2025 at Jesse Hall by 9 AM. This conference is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students, present your research, and expand your academic and professional network.

Why Attend?

  • Engage with cutting-edge research in different fields of research on the Mizzou campus.
  • Participate in discussions with peers about their work.
  • Network with peers and academics at Mizzou.

Notification of Acceptance will be communicated in early April 2024. Due to the expected volume of presenters, we encourage you to apply early. Space is limited.  

Awards: 
The judges will critique all the participants using a set of rubrics and be considered for an award. We will have prizes for each category for first, second, and third place. 

First place – $200 
Second place – $150 
Third place – $125 
Perhaps the most exciting part is that we present the GPC People’s Choice Award with a prize of $100. 


Categories: 
Posters are categorized into seven (7) different categories. You will choose which category your work falls under.  

Sciences: 

  • Social & Behavioral Sciences – projects using research methods appropriate to human behavior and social systems including, but not limited to, psychology, anthropology, sociology, education, public health, economics, political sciences, communication studies, journalism and business. 
  • Life Sciences – lab-based, field-based, or theoretical projects answering basic and applied questions in biology, biochemistry, ecology, biomedicine, etc. 
  • Physical Sciences & Mathematics – experimental and theoretical research in the natural sciences and mathematical sciences, excluding the life sciences. 
  • Engineering Sciences and informatics – experimental and applied research designed to understand and build effective structures, systems, and processes. Interdisciplinary research area utilizing data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies to address scientific and societal issues across diverse data sets, ranging from molecular to satellite levels.

Humanities: 

  • Artistic Expression – Projects that involve visual art pieces, fashion design, music, theater, and creative writing. Performance-based projects will also be included in this category. 
  • Applied Design – projects that solve a problem with an original design solution, including but not limited to design projects for theater, architectural studies, photojournalism, graphic design, and advertising. 
  • Humanities – projects using methods appropriate to study modern and ancient languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, culture, journalism, and other humanities disciplines.

We encourage graduate students across all disciplines to apply, especially those with research interests related to the categories listed.


Application Details

Meals: Meals will be provided to all the presenters, Judges and VIP guests following both the poster session and the award ceremony.

Dress Code: All presenters are required to dress in business attire and present their research findings to judges and interested attendees.

Poster Design/Print Guidelines: Please stick to the RCAF template (W: 48” H: 36”) provided here (you can download and edit the template). Participants are responsible for printing their own posters. Please make sure that you print the posters early (at least 48 hours before the event to avoid the last hour rush). Most of the departments offer financial support for printing. So, consult with your department regarding this. If not, fill this form for potential reimbursement.

Judging Rubrics: STEM rubrics can be found here, and Humanities rubrics can be found here.

 

We look forward to your application and hope to see you at RCAF 2025!

For more information, please contact:

Ejike Iweha
Chair – Research and Creative Activities Forum (RCAF) 
Director of Programming – Graduate Professional Council (GPC)  
University of Missouri