First AUC Research Day: Creativity, Innovation and Competition

Spotlighting distinguished research conducted by students and faculty members and fostering a culture of creativity, innovation and competition, AUC will hold its first Research Day on March 30.

 The day offers a bird’s eye view onto a large number of research fields, where students and faculty members can showcase their work to the AUC community and general public and compete for cash prizes. “AUC’s Research Day is a unique opportunity to appreciate the work of talented AUCians who will be at the forefront, leading this country for decades to come,“ said Ehab Abdel Rahman, vice provost and professor in the Department of Physics.

Fostering Research

AUC Research Day provides a chance for students to explore research ideas and network with the community, as well as attendees coming from different professional backgrounds. “The event is a superb opportunity for new students, early-career researchers and artists to explore more about research happenings at AUC,” said Abdel Rahman.

Additionally, the event provides a distinguished professional development opportunity to hone design and presentation skills. “The purpose of having a Research Day is not only to invite students to exhibit their work, but to help them find the resources they need to design and present research,” explained Abdel-Rahman.   

Besides submitting a research abstract, part of the requirements for presenting at Research Day included attending training sessions. “AUC’s Business School trained students on how to design poster presentations, and the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies assisted in oral skills training,” he said. “I believe it’s our duty to support students in every step of their career development process, so we need to make use of the resources available at AUC.”

Beyond Competitions: Continuing Excellence

At the end of the presentations, students will be evaluated by a panel of faculty members, and the faculty pitch evaluated by a panel composed of public figures and faculty members. Winners can look forward to receive a certificate of attendance and monetary prize. Six undergraduate students with the best poster from each school will be awarded $300, and six graduates from each school will receive $500. The best faculty pitch from each school will win $1,000, with an opportunity to apply for a $10,000 research grant through the Office of the Provost.

The day will conclude with an awards ceremony and a special keynote speech delivered by His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

For Abdel-Rahman, the hope is to make Research Day an annual tradition at AUC for years to come. “Bridging between different disciplines and communicating one's research or creative work in everyday language can create new partnerships, new insights into work and new tracks of inquiry,” he said.

For detailed information about the program of the day, click here.