March 8, 2021 - In this year of unique challenges, the MPD knows students need a new avenue to show off their research work and get valuable feedback from the people who matter. To this end, the MPD has developed the new 2021 MPD Student Video Contest in place of the usual MPD Student Poster Contest.

Students – by taking part in this contest, you'll get a rare opportunity to fine-tune your online video skills, get exposure and feedback from industry and academic professionals, and win cash prizes at the same time. So, grab this chance to develop essential skills you'll need in the post-pandemic world, because video presentations are here to stay!

The MPD invites all interested and eligible students to participate. Submit your one-page abstract to SMEMPDPosters@smenet.org or to Aaron Noble at aaron.noble@vt.edu or Chee Theng at theng@smenet.org by March 31, 2021.

Contest Details:

• To qualify, you must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university, and your research topic for the contest must be focused on mineral processing or extractive metallurgy.
• There will be two levels of judging: graduate and undergraduate.
• Each level will have two phases of judging: abstracts and video presentations.
• Prizes for graduates: $1,000 for 1st, $500 for 2nd, and $200 for 3rd-7th.
• Prizes for undergraduates: $1,000 for 1st, $500 for 2nd, and $250 for 3rd.
• Up to 10 additional non-placing participants (main author) will receive $125 each.
• Videos from the prizewinners and 10 non-placing participants will be featured in a virtual video session that will be promoted to the MPD membership.
• All entries must be from individual students (co-authors may only be research advisors).

 
Contest Format and Timeline:

To enter, submit a 1-page abstract file as a PDF file by March 31, 2021:

• 1 page (including text and graphics); 8.5" x 11" paper size; 1" margins.
• Name the file: "(your last name)(your first name)_MPD contest (year of contest).pdf"
• Format according to the provided Abstract Template.

An accept/reject notification will be sent by April 7, 2021.

If accepted, submit an up to 3-minute video by April 30, 2021.

• We recommend videos are prepared and approved by research sponsors several days in advance.
• Videos must be recorded in MP4 format.
• In the video, you will present your research using the provided Quad-chart Template on a single slide.

Provisions for submitting the MP4 file will be coordinated between the contestants and the contest chair - Aaron Noble aaron.noble@vt.edu

Judging will focus on the technical quality of the research, the written quality of the abstract, and the presentation during the video.

Winners will be announced during the virtual video session to be held in late May.

Failure to follow the guidelines and due dates listed here may result in ineligibility.

For full details and to download templates, go to: www.smenet.org/Professional-Development/