This event celebrates and highlights the work of UCSC graduate students in all academic divisions. Any enrolled graduate student is welcome to present either a poster, talk, or mixed media presentation. (Recipients of qualifying fellowships, ARCS, PPPF, Dissertation Quarter, etc. are required to participate.) The event is free and open to the public.

Presenting at the symposium is excellent preparation for the job market. It offers a chance to practice communicating your research clearly and concisely to a broad audience, refine how you “pitch” your work, and build confidence for future conferences, interviews, and professional opportunities. The week prior to the symposium will include many professional development events, including CV workshops, head shot photo booths, networking events, and alumni career panels.

Starting in Academic Year 2026–27, the Graduate Research Symposium will move to Fall quarter (November, Week 6). This new timing better aligns with graduate students’ job market preparation and conference presentations, and will continue to be preceded by a week of workshops to help students refine research presentations for both the symposium and Grad Slam. The Fall Symposium will also serve as an introduction to the breadth and excellence of research across campus for incoming graduate students, job and internship opportunities, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with and recruit undergraduate researchers.

For more information and to see past winners: 2026 Graduate Research Symposium