Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium (ASUReS) 2026

Presentation Format

ASUReS features 12-minute talks with a panel’s short discussion and comments at the end. This format allows presenters to delve into their research or creative endeavors within a focused time frame. The session includes a panel discussion, providing an opportunity for interaction and feedback from the panelists.

Submitting Your Abstract

Registration Form: The symposium registration form does not require presenters to sign in (or sign up) with their UTK email. On the other hand, If you are in a group presentation, as the lead student, you are responsible for ensuring your group’s submission is entered by the deadline.

Research Compliance

All projects must be consistent with applicable compliance rules. Students who conduct research involving people or people data must submit their projects for IRB approval and have received IRB approval before exhibiting at the ASUReS event.

Classroom Projects

Classroom projects may be displayed at ASUReS and will be subject to acceptance by your college representative. If the project was conducted for class only and not to contribute to the generalizable knowledge of their discipline, students may present the results of their classroom projects as part of their final assignment and must denote in the abstract that this is a classroom project or capstone project. In this capacity, ASUReS is acting as an extension of the classroom activity. These projects will be categorized separately at the event (Research vs. Classroom/Capstone Projects).

Classroom Projects & Human Subjects Research

If you would like to enter your classroom project in the research category and the classroom project involved the collection of information from or about people, the faculty member or the student(s) will need to apply to convert their classroom activity to research through application to the IRB for ‘materials and data collected for non-research purposes’ before displaying at ASUReS. This process averages 2-3 weeks (but can vary depending on your active engagement/collaboration and responses back to the IRB) and requires the Principal Investigator (PI) and collaborators to complete CITI training. (An undergraduate student may serve as a PI.) If there is a question as to whether your classroom project would need the additional approval, please contact the IRB at IRB Website.

Judging Rubric and Guidance

Scoring: Students will be assessed based on four criteria and corresponding indicators, utilizing a 1–5-point scale for each indicator.

Criteria: Judging criteria can be viewed at the tab below.

Awards Ceremony

An awards ceremony is held following the competition, where Colleges award the top scoring presentations in their division.

ASUReS presentations are evaluated using four key areas. These guidelines are designed to help you prepare a clear, engaging, and meaningful presentation.

Content Knowledge

Show that you understand your project thoroughly. Be prepared to explain:

• What you studied
• How you conducted your work
• Why your topic matters

Originality & Innovation

Highlight what makes your project unique. Judges look for:

• New ideas or creative approaches
• Innovative methods or insights
• How your work contributes something original to your field

Overall Impact

Explain the larger importance of your project by addressing:

• Why your work is relevant
• Who it benefits
• How it adds value to your field or community

How to Prepare

To deliver a strong ASUReS presentation:

• Understand your project deeply
• Emphasize what makes it original
• Practice clear, confident communication
• Explain the significance and impact of your work

ASUReS celebrates student research and creative activity—use this opportunity to share your work with confidence and pride.