UCI Grad Slam 2025
UCI Grad Slam 2025 SemifinalsFeb. 7, 2025
Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases and awards the best three-minute research presentations by graduate scholars. This in-person competition not only highlights the excellence, importance and relevance of UCI graduate scholars and their research, but it is also designed to increase graduate students’ communication skills and their capacity to effectively present their work with poise and confidence. It is an opportunity to share accomplishments with the campus, friends of UCI, the local community, and the broader public.
Applications open now through January 17, 2025. See new rules for this year’s competition below.
Why Apply?
Grad Slam contestants receive advanced communication skills training and a competitive CV/resume line. Additionally, winners receive cash prizes up to $11,000! The systemwide winner earns the coveted title of 2025 Grad Slam Champion and the coveted “Slammy”. The deadline is January 17, 2025!
All competitors that advance to the UCI campus finals receive at least $500. The winner receives $6,500, second place claims $3,500 and third place takes home $2,500.
All competitors will have the opportunity to work on their respective pitches with Bri McWhorter of Activate to Captivate.
Who Should Apply?
Rules
Grad Slam presentations are limited to three minutes in length with only one accompanying static slide (no animations, no video, no sound).
They should be prepared for a diverse audience and resonate with student, faculty, and community members alike. The presentation’s clarity and effectiveness for a general university audience is strongly considered in the judging process.
Take a look below to see the winning performance from last year’s competition. The event is open to ALL graduate students!
Questions? Contact the Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center at gpsrc@uci.edu. Visit our website for more details!5
| 2025 In-Person Competition Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Thursday, November 22, 2024 |
| Grad Slam Information Session | Tuesday, December 3, 2024 |
| Applications Close | Friday, January 17, 2025 |
| Grad Slam Pitch Workshop with Bri McWhorter (Virtual) | Wednesday, January 29, 2025. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT |
| Grad Slam Pitch Workshop with Bri McWhorter (In-Person) | Thursday, January 30, 2025. 3 to 4 p.m. PT |
| In-Person Grad Slam UCI Semi-Finals | Friday, February 7, 2025 at the UCI Student Center |
| In-Person Grad Slam UCI Finals | Thursday, March 13, 2025 |
| Grad Slam Systemwide Finals | Tuesday, April 29, 2025 |
| UCI After the Slam | Thursday, May 15, 2025 |