Fresh Ideas, Big Impact: Submit Your Research
Calling all AOCS student members!
Showcase your research in a fast-paced, fun competition designed to highlight student innovation.
Whether your project is just beginning or nearly finished, this is your chance to share ideas with a global audience, connect with experts from academia and industry, and compete for prizes.
The Call for Papers opens in September.
What is a Lightning Talk?
A Lightning Talk is a 3-minute presentation with ONE slide that showcases your research and conveys its importance in plain language for a layman audience. The format is designed to be brief and engaging, making it ideal for sharing innovative research ideas in fats, oils, lipids, surfactants, detergents, proteins, and related materials, while sparking conversation and collaboration.
What are the parameters?
- 3-minute presentation limit
- One slide maximum for the abstract submission (finalists may revise their slide for the competition)
- Early-stage and completed projects are welcome
Who is eligible?
All AOCS student members are eligible to submit abstracts. Not a student member yet? Join AOCS today to unlock this competition and have more career-building opportunities.
How to participate
Submit an abstract as part of the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo Call for Papers. Your submission should include:
- 200-word maximum research abstract written in general terms
- One slide that clearly communicates your research project to a broad audience
Select "Student Lightning Talk Competition" at the bottom of the list when asked for your interest area.
📅 Deadline: January 12, 2026
What Judges Look for in Abstracts
- Clear background and objectives
- Brief description of methods or strategies
- Impact and significance of the research work
- Organization and logical flow
- Slide clarity - easy to read and visually clear
- Slide creativity - engaging visuals that enhance the story
Competition Details
After preliminary screening, 10 finalists will be selected by judges from both academia and industry. Presentations will take place in-person at the 2026 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo as a featured session.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $300
- 2nd place: $200
- Audience Choice: $100
Questions
Have questions about your submission or the Lightning Talks? Contact Steph Adams at steph.adams@aocs.org.