Graduate Research Innovation Exchange

The annual Graduate Research Innovation Exchange (GRIE) is a poster celebration and competition that highlights the breadth, diversity, and quality of WPI's graduate research. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Dean of Graduate Studies, it is a two-part event consisting of an Open Poster Exhibition and Celebration and Poster Finals and Awards.

Graduate Students Build Connections with GRIE

Learn more about this year's event.

Due to the Coronvirus pandemic, the GRIE finals event scheduled for April 7, 2020 is canceled.

Poster Presentation and Celebration

This all-day event in February 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. The 2021 date is February 10.

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, Chemical, 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 6, 2021. 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 2020, more than 165 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.

See our list of current and past GRIE winners.

Registration

Check back in the Fall of 2020 for the 2021 link and deadlines.

Research Areas
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
Mathematical, Chemical, 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).
Be prepared for GRIE by downloading the participant checklist . Use this as a guide from registration through the event date.

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" x 48"
Bring your poster file on a USB drive to the ATC for printing by the print deadline. Plan to spend about 10 minutes there completing your order.
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. Check with your department to see if they cover printing costs. If so, bring the account number of your department with you when you drop off your poster file.