Apply for the 2018 Grad Ben Talks

Grad Ben Talks returns for a second year after a successful inaugural event in 2017!

Who is eligible to enter?

Currently enrolled students in any of Penn Arts and Sciences’ graduate groups or professional master’s programs.

What is it?

A day of TED Talk-style presentations by Penn Arts and Sciences graduate students representing the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Professional Master’s programs. Each student will present an 8-minute talk to an audience of undergraduates, faculty, staff, and fellow graduate students. Judges will select winners in each of the four categories for a $500 cash prize. There will also be a $500 prize for the overall Audience Choice Winner selected by online votes. All will be invited to a closing reception where winners will be announced.

When
:

Friday, February 23, 2018

Competition: 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Reception: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Where does it take place?

Competition:
Irvine Auditorium, Amado Recital Hall
3401 Spruce Street

Reception:
Houston Hall, Benjamin Franklin (Room 218)
3417 Spruce Street

Why would I do this?

This is a great opportunity to see if you can describe your work so that your grandmother will understand you. You will get a professional recording of your talk and feedback from our panel of judges made up of a Penn communications staffer, a faculty member, and a grad student from another discipline. Did we mention there will also be delicious food and cash prizes?

How do I enter?

Interested students should submit abstracts (no more than 200 words) describing their proposed topic no later than close of business on Friday, January 26, 2018 using the link below.

2018 ENTRY FORM

Up to five students will be selected in each category to deliver their talks at the live event. Selected students will be notified on Wednesday, February 7. NOTE: A minimum of three presenters must be competing in a category for a prize to be awarded in that category.

Click here for more on Grad Ben Talks and videos of last year’s winners. 
 

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