Upstate NY Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

UAlbany in the High School Science Research Symposium

February 26, 2025

Student researchers from the UAlbany in the High School program throughout New York will present their original scientific research before peers, teachers and esteemed judges at the University at Albany.

The 2025 program is now available!

We welcome you to join us!

Contact Us

UAlbany in the High School
University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Management Services Center 312
Albany, NY 12222
Phone: 518-442-4148
Len Behr, Co-Director, [email protected]
Leslie Hayner, Coordinator, [email protected] 

General Information
About the Symposium
About the Symposium

Young scientists representing high schools across New York present the results of original scientific research before hundreds of fellow students, teachers, mentors and judges at the University at Albany in Albany, NY.

These presentations represent the culmination of a three-year Science Research in the High School program that unites students, teachers and mentors in a common research experience. This program has cultivated future scientists from schools in every region of the state.

Out of hundreds of students within the program, approximately fifty will be chosen to present to a team of esteemed judges, across various scientific disciplines. Students have the opportunity to network with each other, and other professional scientists within their field of study.

In addition to student presentations, the symposium features a keynote address by a current scientist, and workshops for students and teachers by scientists and scholars working in a variety of fields.

Qualifications
Qualifications

Students who wish to present at the symposium must be registered for UHS credit. 
Two students may apply per school, nominated by their teacher. 
To apply, students must send their abstract, research paper and certification to Leslie Hayner at [email protected] by January 22, 2025. 

Registration

UHS Science Research in the High School teachers and students are invited to participate in the UAlbany in the High School Science Research Symposium, showcasing the best in science from high schools across New York State.

Students and teachers have a lot to gain from the symposium experience. The level of science achieved by the student presenters is remarkable. Attending the symposium is one of the best ways to interest and motivate young, new-to-research students to pursue scientific study.

Four UHS students from each school will be invited to apply to present, by their teacher. Then, the symposium committee will review and select students to present at the symposium. Students will be grouped, as closely as possible, and present to a team of esteemed judges. All presenters will participate in the speaker presentation session - there is no poster session. At the awards ceremony, the winners will be announced. 

Presenters must be registered for UAlbany in the High School credit through the University at Albany.

Each school may bring up to nine representatives to attend, including teachers, presenters and observers. Meals will be included with the registration fee, and served in the resident dining halls.

Please refer to the guidelines, forms, and criteria needed to participate as presenters or attendees.  It is important that the guidelines are followed precisely. Student presenters should review the entire website for a full understanding of what is expected of them and how the content and presentation of their research will be judged.

Registration Materials
Registration Materials

Registration Packets for the symposium are due by Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Registration packets include:

All items must be emailed to [email protected].

Registration fee of $48 per person.
All attendees will be registered for the full day’s activities and meals.

Checks and purchase orders must be made out to Research Foundation for SUNY

Payment should be mailed to:

UHS Attn: Leslie Hayner
1400 Washington Avenue
Management Services Center 312
Albany, NY 12222

Payment will not be accepted at the symposium. 
Refunds in full for cancellations will be made until Wednesday, February 19, 2025. After this date, no refunds will be granted.
 

 

Tentative Schedule
Tentative Schedule

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Registration Check-in
11:00 - 12:15 p.m. Lunch
12:25 - 12:30 p.m. Welcoming Remarks
12:30 - 4:40 p.m. Concurrent Speaker Sessions
4:40 - 6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony
Student presenters must stay through to the awards ceremony.
 

 
Program Ads
Program Ads

School administrators and family members may purchase an ad in the symposium program. See the Program Ad Order Form for details. Any questions may be directed to [email protected]

Cost

  • 1/4 page (4.25”x5.5”) = $50
  • 1/2 page (8.5”x5.5”) = $100
  • Full page (8.5”x11”) = $200
     

Student Presenters

All students are welcome to enter the Art & Science Contest and the Science Fiction Contest to be featured at the symposium!

UHS Students* interested in presenting must send their application to [email protected] with the subject line “UHS SR Symposium Application.” Applications must include: 

  • Abstract
  • Research Paper
  • Certification

In the email, include:

  • The scientific discipline most closely aligned with the research
  • Teacher’s email address

Deadline for student presenter applications is January 22, 2025.
Research papers will be reviewed and the best science will be chosen as presenters. Students will be notified if they’re chosen to present at the symposium by February 5. 
*Students must be registered for UAlbany college credit through UAlbany in the High School for the 2024-2025 academic year. This includes the sessions for Summer 2024 and Full Year 2024-2025.

4 students from each school can apply to present at the symposium.

Download Student Presenter Guidelines

Abstract Guidelines
Abstract Guidelines

The abstract should accurately convey the essential nature of the research conducted and the most significant conclusions reached. A further purpose of the abstract is to attract the interest and curiosity of the non-specialist reader and thus encourage exchange, discussion, and elaboration between various authors and between authors and readers. 

The format for the abstract must be:

  • 250 words maximum paragraph
  • 1-inch margins
  • Justified alignment
  • Times New Roman 12pt font

View the abstract format example. Abstracts must be adequate in length but not exceed these specifications.

The header preceding the abstract body must include: 

  1. Title of the research (bolded)
  2. Author’s name(s)
  3. High school, high school city, high school state
  4. Name of teacher(s). Precede their name with a subheading (teacher)
  5. Name of mentor and their organization. Precede their name with a subheading (mentor)
  6. Include one line of space between the heading and the abstract body
     

Save the abstract as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) and email as an attachment to [email protected] by January 22, 2025. Designate the scientific discipline in the body of the email.

Symposium program will include abstracts and they will not be edited or retyped. Accuracy must be ensured prior to submission.

Research Paper Guidelines
Research Paper Guidelines

Research should be original, if not completely unique. It must report findings not previously cited in scientific literature. It is important that:

  • Content and style be consistent with professional scientific conference papers. Consult with a mentor or teacher for proper format.
  • Research is concise and progresses logically from hypothesis to conclusion.
  • Conclusions (negative, positive or inconclusive) demonstrate that an attempt to prove the hypothesis was made using scientific principles.
  • Correct grammar and spelling are used. Neatness and good presentation are also important.

Format

  • Consult with a mentor or teacher for proper format of the research paper. (APA or MLA are most common.)
  • Font: 12pt size
  • Length: Maximum 40 pages, double spaced. (Not including cover letter, references, abstract, or table of contents)
  • Page number listed on each page
  • Photography, graphs, tables, diagrams, charts, or other graphic representation presented in the paper must be simply presented.

Recommended outline for the research paper includes:

  • a title page, or cover page stating the student’s name, school address, and title of the research
  • acknowledgement of major assistance received
  • as applicable, statement that “research involving non-human vertebrates or human subjects was conducted under the supervision of an experienced teacher or researcher and followed state and federal regulatory guidance applicable to the humane and ethical conduct of such research”
  • table of contents
  • introduction
  • materials and methods
  • results (data or findings)
  • discussion and conclusions
  • references, or literature cited
  • appendices (if necessary but please keep in mind that the introduction is far more valuable in the judging process than appendices of raw data)

Save the research paper as a PDF (.pdf) and email as an attachment to [email protected] by January 22, 2025. Designate the scientific discipline in the body of the email.

Presentation Guidelines
Presentation Guidelines

Session Timing
The research presentation may not exceed 12 minutes followed by a maximum 4-minute question and answer period. A session moderator will aid the student speaker in maintaining this schedule and in fielding questions from the audience. At the 12-minute point, the student speaker must stop the presentation even if he or she has not finished. 

Following the presentation, the session moderator will ask for judging panel questions. If time permits, the speaker may entertain questions from the audience while the exchange appears interesting and relevant. 

During the question-and-answer period students may not show any slides that were not part of their 12-minute presentation. Questions intended to harass the student speakers will not be allowed by the session moderator. The speaker should repeat a question before answering so the audience may understand the entire dialogue. Presenters are not allowed to bring anything to the presentation such as proof of design or materials. Everything presented must be in the presentation slides alone.

Format Suggestions
Students may use Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for their presentation.

  • If using Microsoft PowerPoint, bring a backup on a USB drive.
  • If using Google Slides, save a backup on a USB drive, in case of internet issues.

Student presenters are reminded to:

  • Embed any video, or other presentation developed through other software, into their presentation.
  • If using video, students must comply with the following ground rules:
    • The video component cannot make up more than one (1) minute of the presentation and must be directly relevant to the project.
    • No audio or background music is permitted other than sounds that are an integral part of the research. Recorded or mechanically produced narration is not permitted. Narration must come from the speaker.
    • Videos (and audio, if any) may be used only for those aspects of the presentation that cannot adequately be presented in a slide. Video material presented must be an integral part of the research and should not be a substitute for presentation of data. Videos must not be used for presentation of common procedures, illustrating equipment or showing laboratory facilities. Videos should illustrate work that was done and should not be used for stimulation or aesthetic value.

Technology
Presentations will be loaded onto the session laptops on Tuesday. Presenters must check in with the Room Supervisor to ensure their presentation is prepared, only during a designated break. Students must bring a backup copy of their presentation. 

Students will be notified of their session room, presentation time and type of computer used at least one week prior to the symposium. For technical assistance and/or questions about format you may contact Len Behr ([email protected]) a minimum of ten days before the symposium.

Presentations (either Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides) must be emailed to [email protected] on Tuesday, February 25, by 3 p.m.

Speaker presenters must stay through the awards ceremony on Wednesday evening.

Certification
Certification

Students submitting their research paper to the UAlbany in the High School Science Research Symposium must complete this form in full and submit it with the final research paper. Please type “N/A” in any field that is “not applicable” to your research.

Projects conducted without proper supervision will be disqualified.
 

Download Certification Form

Teachers

Teachers are responsible for the following:

  • Submit registration packet to Assistant Director of Special Events by the deadline including:
    • Registration Form (Excel spreadsheet)
    • Registration Policy (Signed PDF)
  • Ensure payment is made to the Research Foundation for SUNY.
  • Review the hotel group block information and contact the hotel directly to make reservations and payment. Some hotels have a link for reservations. All hotels will release unreserved hotel rooms from the group block on their cut-off date.
  • Ensure that student presenters follow all the requirements and guidelines for participation (such as abstract/paper format and submission, student certification, PowerPoint/Google Slide format requirements, etc).
  • Chaperone students on UAlbany campus.

Serve as a moderator (optional and very appreciated).
 

Role of Moderators
Role of Moderators

Teachers who have no association with or allegiance to the student speakers will serve as moderators during the speaker presentations.

The moderator is responsible for timing and managing the speaker presentation. Moderators ensure that presentations do not exceed 12 minutes and that the speaker is signaled when there are less than two minutes left in their presentation time.

At the end of 12 minutes, if the speaker is not finished, the moderator must interrupt the speaker with an admonition that they may finish the sentence they are on and then stop speaking.

Moderators do not pose questions to the student presenters.

Moderators manage questions at the conclusion of the presentations and gather the judging results.

Moderators also attend the judging sessions and compile brief, constructive critiques for verbal feedback to students and teachers upon request.

Moderators compile the judges’ ranking of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place students and deliver this information to the UHS Assistant Director of Special Events. 

Moderator Instructions
Moderator Instructions

General Duties

  • Introduce each speaker’s name and title of research (refer to info sheet). We recommend asking each speaker in advance for the proper pronunciation of their names and terms used in their presentation titles.
  • Introduce judges (refer to info sheet) at the beginning of the session.
  • Announce to audience:
    • Turn off cell phones and devices.
    • Maintain a respectful silence and minimize movement during presentations.
    • No photographs or videos may be taken until the Question & Answer period.
    • Announce presentation schedule (below) and ask speakers to acknowledge you (by eye contact or nod) when you signal the 2-minute warning.
    • No coaching of any kind is allowed from any member of the audience.

Each student’s presentation must adhere to the following timeline: 

  • 12 minutes are allotted for each student’s uninterrupted oral presentation.
  • When precisely 10 minutes have elapsed in the presentation, briefly indicate that there are 2 minutes remaining, by standing and attempting eye contact with the presenter. Be sure the student sees and acknowledges you.
  • When precisely 12 minutes have elapsed, stand and remain standing. Student must stop immediately. Begin taking questions from the judges.
  • During the Question & Answer period (4-minutes), students may not show slides that were not part of their 12-minute presentation. 

Schedule

It is imperative that the following schedule be followed exactly. This schedule allows for attendees to relocate to a different room during the allotted break periods.

SpeakerPresentation Start Time

Presentation End Time
Q&A Start Time

Q&A End Time
Speaker 112:30 p.m.12:42 p.m.12:46 p.m.
Speaker 212:55 p.m.1:07 p.m.1:11 p.m.
Speaker 31:20 p.m.1:32 p.m.1:36 p.m.
Speaker 41:45 p.m.1:57 p.m.2:01 p.m.
Speaker 52:10 p.m.2:22 p.m.2:26 p.m.
Speaker 62:35 p.m.2:47 p.m.2:51 p.m.
Speaker 73:00 p.m.3:12 p.m.3:16 p.m.
Speaker 83:25 p.m.3:37 p.m.3:41 p.m.
Speaker 9

3:50 p.m.

4:02 p.m.

4:06 p.m.

Speaker 10

4:15 p.m.

4:27 p.m.

4:31 p.m.

Managing Questions

  • 4 minutes are allotted for Question & Answer per presentation.
  • Be sure the student repeats the question so everyone can hear it.
  • Invite questions only from judges. No more than 2 consecutive questions should come from the same judge.
  • Disallow any questions that, in your judgment, are designed to embarrass or denigrate. 

Deliberations

  • The moderator must stay during the judges’ deliberations to take notes and summarize comments. Moderators should be prepared to give, upon request, an oral overview of the judges’ comments to students and/or teachers. Written comments are not to be given out.
  • The moderator conveys the judges’ decisions to the UHS Assistant Director of Special Events.
Hotel Information
Hotel Information

Recommended hotels:

  • Hampton Inn Albany-Western Ave/University Area
  • Courtyard Albany Thruway
  • Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall

There are no designated group blocks for this year. 

Judges

The directors of the UAlbany in the High School Science Research Symposium and its affiliates make every effort to ensure that the judges at the symposium are the best judges available.

The majority of judges are either university science professors or current research professionals at other local institutions. At the least, all judges have master’s level science proficiency. Most of the judges see this symposium as a valuable asset to the local science community and serve for many years. All judges follow defined criteria for choosing winners.

The decisions of the judges are final, irrevocable and may not be questioned by anyone. In the rare event that the directors find a judge to be unsuitable, that judge is not asked to return for future symposia.

Student presenters who want feedback on their performance may speak with room moderators who sit in on the judging and are able to comment on the students’ strengths and weaknesses. The judges are not to be contacted for comment by presenters. The room moderators provide verbal comment only and that comment is open only to the student presenter and teacher. It is not open to classmates, friends or others. It is also not to be recorded other than as that student’s notes.

Judge Duties
Judge Duties

Select winners from your session based upon the students’ oral PowerPoint presentation. Criteria and rubrics will be shared soon.

UAlbany in the High School Science Research Symposium recognizes students for original research achievements in the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The overall test is that students demonstrate valid investigation and experimentation aimed at discovery of knowledge.

Questions

Moderators keep time and manage questions. They are instructed to rule out of order questions that are inappropriate. Questions should: 

  • Refer only to the student’s presentation
  • Be brief and concise
  • Be limited to 2 consecutive questions per judge. Each presenter’s research paper is provided to clarify any points made in the presentations that brief questioning cannot answer.

Students have been given the judging criteria and the following instructions:

  • Prepare a 12-minute uninterrupted oral presentation timed and managed by moderators. The moderator will indicate briefly when 10 minutes have elapsed, indicating the presentation has 2 minutes remaining.
  • At 12 minutes, the moderator indicates again and asks for questions from judges. Students must stop even if their presentation is not finished. Continuing may reflect negatively on their presentation.
  • The 4-minute Question-and-Answer period begins at the end of the student’s presentation.
  • The presentation should be an unhurried interpretation of visuals which includes: review of literature, experimentation, results and significance of the results.
  • All presentations should include:
    • Introduction/review of literature
    • Results/conclusions/significance of findings
    • Methods and materials
    • Statement of purpose
    • Discussion

Audio Usage: No audio or background music is permitted other than sounds that are an integral part of the research. The speaker must do all narration.

Handouts or scientific equipment are not permitted.

Judge Rubrics
Judge Rubrics

Rubrics will be shared soon!