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Graduate Research Poster Competition

La Trobe’s Graduate Research Poster Competition challenges graduate researchers at any stage of their candidature to present their research in an eye-catching, informative poster format.

About the competition

The Graduate Research Poster Competition gives you the opportunity to build and apply your skills in visual design, data visualisation and research communication. You will design a striking A1 poster that succinctly describes your research, and its potential impact, to the La Trobe research community.

Here's why you should get involved:

  • Develop core visual design principles and skills
  • Learn to create effective visualisations of your data
  • Strengthen your research communication and academic writing skills
  • Build a strong foundation for future conference presentations and journal publications
  • Connect and network with fellow graduate researchers
  • Share your finished poster online and at a live event

Register your interest in entering the competition

Eligibility

This competition is open to currently-enrolled graduate researchers (i.e. students enrolled in M.Phil., Masters by Research, Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate programmes) at any stage of their candidature who are active and attending.

Competitors must agree to their entry being displayed on La Trobe University websites and media.

View full terms and conditions

Key dates

  • Submissions open: Tuesday 7 July
  • Submissions close: Monday 7 August
  • Winners announced: Friday 4 September (at the 3MT / Graduate Research Poster Competition finale)

Prizes

  • $200 for the first prize winner
  • $50 for the people's choice winner

The people's choice prize is awarded based on the votes received from the public.

Judging criteria

Entries will be judged against the following criteria.

Category Judges will considerPercentage
Research communication
  • Clear articulation of the research question, aim or problem
  • Logical and coherent narrative structure
  • Concise and accessible language (minimal unnecessary jargon)
  • Clear explanation of methodology, approach or creative process
  • Strong communication of key findings, insights or contributions
  • Clear statement of significance, impact or implications
 50
Visual design
  • Logical layout and organisation of content
  • Clear visual hierarchy (headings, subheadings, emphasis)
  • Readability and accessibility (appropriate font size, spacing, and contrast)
  • Effective use of space (not overcrowded or sparse)
  • Consistent formatting and alignment
  • The poster is engaging, memorable, and reflects a considered aesthetic approach
 25
Data visualisation
  • Accuracy of data representation
  • Appropriate choice of visual format
  • Clear labelling, legends or captions
  • Visual clarity and interpretability
  • Ethical presentation (no misleading scales or distortions)
  • Relevance of visuals to the research narrative

Visualisation may include quantitative data, qualitative themes, conceptual relationships, processes, creative practice outputs or other forms of visual representation appropriate to the discipline.

 25

Workshops and information sessions

We will be offering workshops on visual design, data visualisation and writing for your research poster, giving you the skills and tools to create a compelling submission. These sessions will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow graduate researchers and share your work as it develops.

Note: These workshops will be recorded and made available to anyone who has registered their interest in the competition.

  • Tuesday 16 June 12:30pm
    This workshop will introduce useful methods of manipulating, visualising and presenting your data for the purpose of research documents. We will also examine some useful data cleaning techniques to prepare your data for visualisation.

  • Wednesday 1 July 11:00am
    This workshop will explore the key features of effective writing for research posters. It will include practical activities to help with drafting your poster text.

Contact us

If you have any questions or require further information about the competition, please get in touch.

Send us an email