Student Poster Competition
A prestigious opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to present original ocean science, engineering and marine technology research to the global OCEANS community.
View Author Instructions Review FAQsAbout the Competition
The OCEANS Student Poster Competition gives students from colleges and universities around the world the opportunity to share their research at an OCEANS conference. The program is different from a general conference poster session: selected students submit a full technical paper, prepare a poster and oral research overview, participate in judging and engage throughout the conference.
Who May Participate
Undergraduate and graduate students presenting original work are eligible. The student must be the lead author and presenter.
What Students Present
Selected students prepare a full conference paper, a research poster and a concise five-minute oral presentation.
How Work Is Evaluated
Judges consider technical merit, originality, clarity and potential impact within the OCEANS community.
A Global Professional Opportunity
Participants gain visibility for their work, meet ocean professionals, attend technical sessions, connect with students from around the world and compete for Student Poster Competition awards. Financial support is available to selected presenting students.
History and Purpose
Colonel Norman Miller created the first OCEANS Student Poster Competition at OCEANS 1989 in Seattle. The program continued annually and later expanded as OCEANS developed into conferences in North America and Europe/Asia.
The competition was created to help promising student researchers attend OCEANS, present their work and build relationships with marine technology professionals, future colleagues and potential employers.
Acceptance is an honor. Selected students receive prominent exposure during the conference, compete for prizes and receive conference support. The first-place winner’s technical paper may also be featured in The Beacon, the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society newsletter.
The Reviewers and Judges
Volunteer reviewers evaluate submitted abstracts and identify a select group of students to invite to the competition. During the conference, volunteer judges visit the posters, speak with participants about their research and meet to determine the award recipients.
Their time, technical knowledge and commitment make the Student Poster Competition possible.
The Norman Miller Prize
In 2014, the first-place award was officially named the Norman Miller Prize in recognition of Colonel Miller’s vision, leadership and lasting contribution to the OCEANS student community.
Submission and Selection
Student Poster Competition abstracts go through both the conference technical review and an additional SPC review. The second review allows the competition committee to identify the strongest student submissions from the eligible pool.
Submit to the SPC Track
During the abstract submission period, select the Student Poster Competition track and indicate student status.
Complete Two Reviews
The abstract is considered through the Technical Program review and a second competition-specific review.
Receive Notification
SPC decisions are generally issued near the Technical Program notification date, although the additional review may require more time.
Prepare for Monterey
Selected students follow the deadlines and instructions provided by the Student Poster Chair.
If You Are Not Selected
If your abstract is accepted into the OCEANS Technical Program but is not selected for the Student Poster Competition, you may still be invited to present through another conference track. In that case, registration, travel and accommodations are generally the responsibility of the presenter.
May I Apply Again?
Yes. Students who were not previously selected are encouraged to apply again and strengthen future abstracts with guidance from a professor or colleague. Previous first-place winners are not eligible to compete again.
What Selected Students Are Expected to Do
Selection comes with important academic, travel and conference responsibilities. Students should maintain regular communication with the Student Poster Chair and meet every deadline provided.
Before the Conference
- Submit the required full conference paper by the Technical Program deadline.
- Respond promptly to all communications from the Student Poster Chair.
- Book approved travel by the requested date.
- Begin any required visa or travel-document process immediately.
- Submit the poster electronically by the deadline provided.
- Prepare and practice a five-minute oral presentation of the research.
During the Conference
- Attend the required Student Poster Competition meeting.
- Attend the Student Mixer and Student Poster Competition ceremony.
- Install the poster by the assigned deadline.
- Staff the poster during assigned conference breaks and events.
- Be prepared to discuss the research clearly with judges and attendees.
- Remove the poster by the assigned deadline; materials left behind may be discarded.
Registration, Travel and Accommodations
Selected Student Poster Competition participants receive program support. Exact eligibility, allowable expenses, booking procedures, reimbursement documentation and deadlines will be provided directly by the Student Poster Chair and take precedence over general information on this page.
Conference Registration
A full conference registration is included in the SPC award package and provides access to technical sessions, conference social events and the exhibition. Optional tutorials and guest tickets may require separate payment.
Travel
Financial support is available for approved travel. Selected students may be required to pay travel costs in advance and submit required receipts, boarding documentation and other records for reimbursement. Follow the booking rules issued by the Student Poster Chair before purchasing.
Accommodations
The conference may arrange shared SPC accommodations and cover the approved room cost directly. Students who choose other accommodations may be responsible for those costs. Personal charges such as room service are not covered.
SPC FAQs
When will I learn whether I was selected?
SPC abstracts receive an additional review after the general Technical Program review. The committee works to issue SPC decisions near the Technical Program notification date, but the second review may occasionally delay notification. Consult the Monterey Important Dates page and watch for direct email from the conference.
What happens if I am not selected for the competition?
If the abstract is accepted through another OCEANS Technical Program track, you may still present at the conference. Registration, travel and accommodations would generally need to be covered by you, your institution or another funding source.
May I apply if I have entered before?
Yes. Previous applicants are encouraged to enter again. Work with a professor or colleague to strengthen the abstract before resubmitting. Previous first-place winners may not compete again.
What does the complimentary registration include?
The full conference registration included with the SPC award package provides access to technical sessions, conference social events and the exhibition. Tutorials, workshops, guest tickets or other optional items may not be included.
How do I arrange travel?
Do not finalize travel until you have reviewed the instructions from the Student Poster Chair. Those instructions will explain approved booking methods, fare requirements, allowable expenses, required receipts and the reimbursement process.
What travel records should I retain?
Retain all receipts, confirmations and boarding documentation. The Student Poster Chair will identify the exact documentation required for reimbursement. Missing records may prevent an expense from being reimbursed.
What should international students know about visas?
Begin the visa and travel-document process immediately after selection. Processing times vary, and participants are responsible for obtaining the documentation required to enter the United States and attend the conference.
How are accommodations handled?
The conference may reserve shared rooms for SPC participants, generally with two students per room. Approved room costs may be covered directly. Choosing accommodations outside the SPC housing arrangement may make the student responsible for the full cost. Incidental charges are not included.
What will judges expect during the poster session?
Be ready to explain the research problem, methodology, results and relevance clearly and concisely. Judges evaluate technical merit, originality, clarity and impact. Students should also be prepared to answer detailed questions about their work.
