Research Poster Competition
We are excited to announce the return of the Economics Student Poster Competition. This competition was a proud tradition in our department from 2012 until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With our program’s transition from a Bachelor of Arts to a Bachelor of Science, this is the perfect moment to revive this important academic tradition and showcase the outstanding research of our students. The purpose of the Annual ECON Student Research Poster Competition is to showcase excellence in scholarly research, and highlight creative activity conducted by ECON undergraduate and graduate students.
Why Participate?
- Present your research in a professional setting
- Strengthen your resume or graduate school applications
- Engage with faculty and peers
- Celebrate the relaunch of this ECON tradition
Spring 2026 ECON Research Poster Competition will take place on Friday, April 17th, 2026
To apply, you only need to submit:
- Your name and student information
- Your research title
- A brief description of your project
Final posters must be submitted by April 10th, 2026, so the department can print them in time for the event.
Applications are now closed and will reopen Fall 2026
Please let us know if you have any questions Economics.Department@csulb.edu
Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled as Economics majors at 91ÖÆƬ³§ are eligible to present. Submissions may include research or creative work that aligns with the student’s academic discipline and career goals. Please note that proprietary research is not permitted.
There is no registration fee to participate in the Research Poster competition. Submission can be both individual and group.
For group submissions, poster summaries & applications must include the names of all participating students as well as the presentation title.
Students may also include the name of their faculty advisor and the associated course, if applicable. The presentation lasts 5-7 minutes followed by judging committee questions. We encourage one person to present for a group.
The grading rubric below follows the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Student Research Competition. Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in the university event. A total of 100 points can be awarded.
| Scoring Criteria | Accomplished | Developing | Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|
Clarity of Purpose: Research idea, question, or objective
(0-10 pts) | Clearly states a central purpose, research question, or hypothesis. The audience can easily understand what the project aims to investigate, even if the research is still underway. (10 to 8 pts)
| Purpose is stated but may be too broad, vague, or lacking context. The project’s direction is understandable but not fully refined. (7 to 4 pts)
| Purpose or research questions are unclear, missing, or difficult to understand. (3 to 0 pts)
|
Appropriateness of Methodology: Planned or proposed approach (0-20 pts) | Presents a clear, logical plan or method for how the research question will be investigated. Steps, models, or theories are discussed with enough detail for the audience to understand feasibility. (20 to 16 pts) | Methodology is described but lacks clarity, feasibility, or enough detail. Audience can understand the general plan but not the full execution. (15 to 8 pts) | Methodology is missing, inappropriate for the research question, or unclear. (7 to 0 pts) |
Quality of Analysis and/or Interpretation: Quality of Reasoning (0-20 pts) | Use preliminary data, literature, economic models, or hypothetical examples to show thoughtful analytical reasoning. Interpretation (even expected results) is logically connected to the research purpose. (20 to 16 pts) | Some analysis or reasoning is provided, but it may be limited, overly simple, or only loosely connected to the research purpose. (15 to 8 pts) | Minimal or no analytical reasoning provided. Interpretation is unclear or not tied to the research purpose. (7 to 0 pts) |
Ability to Present the Research: Communication, clarity, and ability to explain an idea. (0 to 10 pts) | Communicates ideas clearly and confidently using appropriate economic concepts. Makes the project understandable for diverse audiences. (10 to 8 pts) | Demonstrates understanding of the project, but explanations are uneven or unclear in parts. (7 to 4 pts) | Difficulty explaining the project or answering basic questions about it. (3 to 0 pts) |
Organization of Poster and Presentation: Structure, readability, and flow (0 to 10 pts) | Poster and presentation are clear, logically organized, visually accessible, and easy to follow. Includes essential components (intro, concept/method, progress, next steps). Timing is appropriate. (10 to 8 pts) | Poster is understandable but may be cluttered, missing transitions, or lacking structural elements. Presentation may be slightly rushed or too brief. (7 to 4 pts) | Poster is difficult to follow, disorganized, or incomplete. Presentation does not follow a logical structure. (3 to 0 pts) |
Ability to Handle Questions (0 to 10 pts) | Responds clearly to questions, demonstrating understanding of both completed work and planned next steps. (10 to 8 pts) | Answers some questions clearly but may struggle with deeper or unexpected questions. (7 to 4 pts) | Has difficulty answering questions or demonstrates limited understanding of the project. (3 to 0 pts) |
Value and Potential Contribution to the Discipline: Importance and future potential (0 to 20 pts) | Clearly explains why the topic matters in economics. Shows strong potential for meaningful future research, policy implications, or academic contribution—even if results are preliminary or hypothetical. (20 to 16 pts) | The topic has relevance, but the significance or economic connection is not fully developed. Potential contributions are mentioned but not well articulated. (15 to 8 pts) | Limited discussion of relevance or contribution. Economic significance is unclear or missing. (7 to 0 pts) |
Any questions? Email Economics.Department@csulb.edu
The competition is structured as a series of timed presentations. Students will present during their assigned time slots, either individually or as part of a group. While groups are encouraged to designate one member to present on their behalf, this is not required. There is no mandatory design / layout of the Poster.
Each presentation should be a concise showcase of the project, highlighting the research question, methodology or data, and key findings. Presentations will last approximately 5–7 minutes and will be followed by a brief question-and-answer session with the judging committee.
After all presentations have concluded, the judges will deliberate and select award recipients.
Awards will be given in three categories: Best Visual, Most Creative, and Best Overall. The Best Overall category will include separate recognitions for undergraduate and graduate students here at Economics.
