Graduate Research Symposium

Showcasing graduate research at UNC.

Three graduate students in front of a research poster.
Graduate Student Professional Development

The Symposium combines Graduate Research Evening and the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®).

The fall 2026 Graduate Research Symposium will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 4-8:30 p.m. in the Campus Commons.

Graduate Research Evening provides graduate students the opportunity to present their research projects. Participating graduate students are also eligible for the Hutchinson Lahman Larkins Research Award.

The Three Minute Thesis is a professional development competition. It spotlights the dissertation or thesis projects of UNC doctoral or master’s students. Students completing a dissertation or thesis in any UNC doctoral or master’s program are eligible to submit a 3MT® proposal. For more information, contact Julie Kennedy.

Registration Deadline: Nov. 20, 5 p.m.
  • All graduate students engaged in research, scholarship or creative works are invited to present their work in an oral presentation or poster format.
  • Register your research presentation and, if eligible, apply for recognition through the HLL or Graduate Research DEIB Award.
  • Late presentation registrations may be accepted, but inclusion in the printed program is not guaranteed. Late submissions are not eligible for awards.
  • Synchronous Zoom options are available for oral presentations.
  • All research presentations are accepted and proposed research presentations are encouraged.
  • A reminder will be sent closer to the event.
  • Food will be available in the Multipurpose Room beginning at 6 p.m. (until food runs out).
Symposium Schedule
4 p.m. Keynote Speaker Ather Zia, Ph.D.
5-5:55 p.m. Oral Presentations Session 1 Second floor meeting rooms, Campus Commons and Zoom
Poster Session Campus Commons Multipurpose Room
6-6:55 p.m. Oral Presentations Session 2 Second floor meeting rooms, Campus Commons
Poster Session Campus Commons Multipurpose Room
7-8 p.m. 3MT® Competition and Awards Campus Commons Prosperity Room (behind the Admissions Desk)

Graduate Research Symposium Programs

Questions?