Postdoc Slam Judging Criteria

Judges

  1. There are two sets of judges: screening judges and final judges. The screening judges will review the video entries submitted by the deadline and choose the 7-10 finalists. The final judges will review the live presentations at the Postdoc Slam event on September 19 and will choose the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners from among the finalists. The judges' choices are final and binding.
  2. The winner of the people's choice award will be determined through electronic voting by members of the live and remote viewing audience. Each audience member will be allowed to vote only once. In the event that the "people's choice" award winner is the same as the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize winner, that individual will receive both prizes.
  3. In the event any of the final judges are not able to be present at the September 19 event, the remaining judges will decide on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners. In the event of a tie, the chair of the judges will make the final decision.
  4. The Graduate Division reserves the right to replace any judge who has to withdraw from judging the award with another qualified individual.

Judging Criteria

Basic Criteria

Comprehension and Content

Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?

Was the research topic and its significance communicated using language appropriate to an educated, but non-specialist audience?

Engagement and Communication

Did the presentation make the audience want to know more about the research?

Finer Points

The judges may also consider the following factors...

Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?

Did the presentation clearly describe the speaker's contribution to the research in terms of idea generation, methodology, research approach, or findings?

Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?

Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?

Was the presentation well-paced?  Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation, or did they rush through some elements?

Was the presenter careful not to over-generalize their research?

Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?

Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?

Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?

Did the speaker's slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?