Welcome to the AISES Research Competition! This FAQ provides general information about participating in our research competition using our new Indigenous-centered evaluation framework.
What's New: We're excited to introduce our updated evaluation approach that celebrates Indigenous ways of knowing, values cultural integration, and recognizes traditional knowledge as scientific expertise. Our new four-pillar rubric evaluates your Interest in STEM, Engagement & Sense of Belonging, STEM Competencies & Confidence, and Future Intentions.
Find Your Answers: This page covers basic participation information, logistics, and general questions. For detailed evaluation criteria, cultural integration guidance, and preparation strategies, download our specialized FAQ resources below.
We're Here to Support You: Whether you're a first-time presenter or experienced researcher, middle school through professional level, we want you to succeed. The questions and resources below will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for presenting your research with confidence.
Remember: We are all scientists, and your unique perspective strengthens STEM fields. This competition celebrates who you are while supporting your scientific growth and community connections.
Quick Links
Student Researcher FAQ - Detailed rubric preparation and cultural integration guidance
Educator & Parent FAQ - How to support student preparation
Judge FAQ PDF - For those interested in evaluating presentations
Judge Interest Form - Apply to be a research competition judge
Have questions not covered here? Contact research@aises.org - we're here to help!
- How do I sign-up to be a judge for the poster and oral research presentations?
Thank you for your interest in judging the research presentations! Sign-up here.
- When should I register after submitting my oral or poster research?
You should wait until your research presentation is confirmed by AISES, at which point you will receive a registration discount code to register for the conference. Do not register for the conference before you receive a code! If you do register and pay in advance of receiving this code, your registration refund is subject to the Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- What are you doing for timekeeping for oral presentations?
We will have greeters at each session that will seat the judges and keep time for the presenters.
- Who do I contact for questions?
E-mail the research@aises.org for questions pertaining to your oral or poster presentations – make sure to include the type and level of presentation in your subject line (i.e. Question about Undergraduate Oral Presentation submission). One of our staff members will get back with you within a few days of your message.
- Can I submit more than one poster?
No, we do not recommend submitting more than one.
- Can I submit more than one oral presentation?
No, we do not recommend submitting more than one.
- What are the criteria for acceptance?
Professional and/or faculty mentors should NOT be submitting for students in the pre-college and college (undergraduate, master’s/doctoral level) categories. Students should be submitting their own unique research to present at the conference.
- Can I submit a poster and oral presentation?
No. Please only submit for one or the other. If we have room after the submission process in orals or posters, we will consider scholars for another category.
- When is poster research presentation setup and teardown?
- Setup: Friday, October 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CST
- Teardown: Friday, October 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST
- What times will posters be judged?
Judges will come through sometime between 9am-noon CST to judge your posters. Students, please remain by your posters throughout this three-hour timeframe.
- When should you expect to hear if your research is accepted?
Please allow a grace period of a week after deadlines to hear back on acceptance.
- How do I find out if I won a research award if I cannot attend the Student Awards Luncheon?
E-mail research@aises.org following the conference to find out the status of your award. We will do a social media announcement following the conference to announce the winners.
"We Are All Scientists" - This year's conference theme celebrates the truth that Indigenous peoples have always been scientists, from traditional ecological knowledge to modern research laboratories. Our research competition embodies this belief by evaluating not just your technical skills, but your whole journey as an Indigenous scientist. Whether you're presenting your first science project or groundbreaking professional research, this competition recognizes that you belong in STEM spaces. Your cultural knowledge, unique perspective, and scientific curiosity are exactly what make our research community stronger.
Ready to share your research story? We can't wait to celebrate your scientific voice - because we truly are all scientists.
