Developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, Empower Your Pitch is an engaging, dynamic research communication contest. Alongside a comprehensive skill-development series, EYP is designed to equip participants with the strategies needed to effectively communicate complex ideas in just three minutes.
This campus-wide research communication competition is sponsored by The Graduate School and the Graduate Coordinators Network.
Cash prizes will be awarded to four competition winners.
- Overall Excellence in Research Communication – $1000
- Outstanding Public Engagement – $1000
- Outstanding Creativity – $1000
- Community Choice Award for Excellence – $500
Contest winners will also have the opportunity to compete in a national contest, hosted right here in Austin! The inaugural inter-university contest in 2024 included Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University. Stay tuned to see who joins the stage in 2025!
Hear from past participants
Hear from participants in our inaugural Empower Your Pitch research communication competition. They share what they learned and how it felt to participate in a cross-campus community of engaged scholars and researchers to refine their core research messages.
Competition Guidelines
Add a creative flair to your pitch
You’re invited to add a creative flair to your pitch using presentation aids, including audio/visual media, equipment, and props, in line with safety protocols.
Feel free to utilize diverse strategies in your communication—spoken word, poetry, music, rap—the stage is yours!
Timing is key
Your pitch must not exceed three minutes. The clock starts ticking once you begin speaking, interacting with your props/equipment or using any form of expression to convey your message.
Decisions are final
And finally, please note that the judge panel’s decisions in rounds 2 and 3 are final and binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slides
There is no limit on the number of slides that can be used. Other visual aids such as props or posters are also welcome.
Delivery method
This format encourages creativity, so forms of expression other than oration are allowed (e.g. singing, poetry, dance).
Audience
Assume a reasonably well-informed and educated audience, but non-specialists. Most judges will be current faculty and staff.
Participation for applied or creative field
All current graduate students are welcomed and encouraged, regardless of discipline.
