Graduate Research Innovation Exchange

2019 Dates

Open Poster Celebration: Wednesday, February 6, 2019

GRIE Finals: Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Poster Exhibition and Celebration 

This all-day event is a festival of creativity and innovation. All graduate students engaged in research or in course- or program-related capstone projects are encouraged to develop a poster and display it here. The posters fill the upper level of the Rubin Campus Center.

True to its name, the Graduate Research Innovation Exchange is a marketplace where students across disciplines get to know each other and share discoveries and new ideas. It is also a great way to get feedback on research in-progress—input that can help students prepare for sharing their work down the line through papers and presentations.

Student presenters also receive input from attendees who are able to vote for People's Choice Awards for their favorite posters. 

The best posters by master's and PhD candidates engaged in research in the categories of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Business and Social Science; Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science; Life Sciences and Bioengineering; Robotics, Cyberphysical Systems, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences; and Aerospace, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Civil and Environmental, Fire-Protection Engineering are reviewed by a select panel of judges who decide which are worthy of competing in the finals on April 9, 2019. Winners from the finals round will receive cash prizes and certificates. 

The Prizes

Judges may choose to present first, second, and third place awards to MS candidates and PhD candidates based upon a number of criteria, including the quality and importance of the research itself, the clarity of the posters, and the students' ability to explain their work and answer the judges' questions. Awardees will receive cash prizes. Capstone entries are not eligible for awards.

The Winners

In 2018, more than 230 master's and PhD candidates shared their innovative and purposeful research with the WPI community. It was an exciting and well-attended event that had the Rubin Campus Center Odeum buzzing with activity and engaged conversation. During the day, judges visited all of the participants, evaluating their posters and learning more about their work. 30 students were award with prizes.

See our list of current and past GRIE winners.

Registration

To register, first download and complete the Abstract Submission Form. Then click here to submit your completed abstract form and complete the registration survey. Click here for a sample completed abstract form.

Please note: 

• Space is limited in both the morning and afternoon sessions this year. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Once space is filled, the registration link will redirect to a wait list survey. You'll still need to submit a completed abstract submission form to join the wait list. 
• Abstract forms will be made available to presenters, attendees, and judges. Please be sure you’ve typed your information in exactly as it should be viewed. Do not use all capital letters and double check your spelling. Forms are not editable once submitted.

• Registration Deadline: November 30, 2018. Sign up early by November 9 and be entered into a early bird raffle to win one of five $50 Visa gift cards.

2019 Research Areas and Scheduled Presentation Time

You may only present during the time your research area is scheduled.

Morning 
Business and Social Science
Life Sciences and Bioengineering
Robotics, Cyberphysical Systems, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Fire-Protection Engineering

Afternoon
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science

Guidelines & Eligibility

General Guidelines

• GRIE is open to all WPI PhD candidates, MS students engaged in thesis or similar research, or MS candidates completing a course- or program-related capstone project.
• Although posters may have multiple authors, including the faculty advisor(s), there should be one lead author registered and presenting. The lead author MUST be the graduate student and only this student will be considered for awards.
• Only one poster will be accepted per student; it is the student’s responsibility to have his/her poster printed according to competition guidelines.
• Levels: MS or PhD (Capstone level projects will be accepted, but will not be considered for the final round).

Poster and Presentation Guidelines and Judging Criteria

These poster samples provide guidance in portrait layout (PDF) and landscape layout (PDF).

• Posters should be no larger than 3 feet by 4 feet
• Easels with a 3x4 foot cork bulletin board and push pins will be provided
• Your poster should clearly identify a project title, researchers involved, and department
• Students must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the event to register and set-up
• Prepare your presentation to appeal to both experts and non-experts in your field as judges may vary. You must be able to clearly explain your research to a wide range of judges and audiences. 
• Click here to view what your poster will be judged on.

Poster Printing

On-campus printing is available at the ATC, which offers printing services ranging in price from $16 to $28, depending on the size and choice of paper. The deadline to drop off your poster for printing for the February GRIE is January 31, 2019 at 5:00 pm. The deadline to drop off your poster for printing for the April GRIE is April 4, 2019.

Inclement Weather Dates 

Please hold February 15, 2019 and April 22, 2019 on your calendar as GRIE inclement weather dates. These dates will only be used if the February 6 or April 9 dates need to be canceled due to poor weather conditions.