The UBC Centre for Migration Studies invites graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to submit proposals for the Migration Research in Minutes competition, part of the 2027 Bridging Divides Conference taking place May 10-12, 2027, at UBC Vancouver.
The Migration Research in Minutes competition is an academic competition providing graduate students and early career researchers with an engaging opportunity to foster effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have three minutes to explain the importance of their research project to a general audience.
Eligibility
Applicants must be affiliated with a Canadian university, either as a current master’s or doctoral student.
Bridging Divides affiliation and/or funding is not required, but submissions should align with the conference theme, Reimagining migration research and relationships: blurring boundaries, bridging divides.
Selection
This is a two-step selection process:
- Round 1: Applicants submit an expression of interest.
- Round 2: Selected applicants are invited to submit a video of their presentation (for adjudication purposes only, the video will not be part of the presentation).
The top 8 ranked submissions will each receive a $250 credit toward conference participation (e.g., for allowable reimbursable expenses).
Proposals will be selected based on the quality of the submitted abstract, its relevance to the conference theme, and its complementarity with other submissions. Members of the CMS research team will adjudicate submissions. Successful applicants will present in person at the conference on May 10–12, 2027.
Assessment criteria at the event:
- Conciseness: Essential information is presented clearly and efficiently
- Strength of argument: The importance of the topic is articulated clearly and effectively
- Consistency: The presentation stays focused on the main topic
- Engagement: The presentation captures and holds the audience’s attention
- Catalytic potential: The contribution is novel, and the conclusion points toward potential actions for enacting change and/or advancing understanding of the topic
- Mechanics: The presentation stays within the time limit, with clear, well-paced delivery
How to submit your expression of interest
Applicants must complete the form below, which collects personal information and a 250-word overview of the thesis/research.
Key dates
- Expressions of Interest open: September 10, 2026
- Expressions of Interest close: Monday, November 9, 2026, 11:59 PM PT
- Video submission deadline: January 11, 2027, 11:59 PM PT
- Notification of acceptance: January 25, 2027
- Conference date: May 10–12, 2027
Contact Information
For any questions, please contact: admin.migration@ubc.ca
