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.

AOCS 2025

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.