Trainee Competitions are a key feature of the iBEST Symposium, showcasing innovative
research conducted by trainees in biomedical engineering, science, and technology. These
competitions provide trainees with the opportunity to present their research, receive expert
feedback, and compete for awards and recognition.
This year the iBEST Symposium brings two opportunities for trainee participation:
Registration Opens
March 24, 2025.
Submission Deadline
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 11:59 p.m EDT
Event Date
Friday, May 16, 2025
Event Location
Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON
New this year
This year, trainees can showcase their research and compete for awards in two categories. Both competitions are designed to motivate trainees, enhance scientific communication skills and increase engagement in the research community.
NOTE:
- Space for the Poster Competition is limited to 50 submissions. Once capacity is reached, the submission portal will close.
- Trainees can register for one or both competitions but can only win one award (this will be determined by their highest score from both competitions).
Awards
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 submissions in each competition as per the judging selection, criteria and results.
Judging Panel
The judging panel(s) for both competitions will be made up of faculty, researchers and area experts to serve as non-partial assessors during the competitions.
Trainee Poster Competition
In the poster presentation, trainees will visually present their research. The presentation is open to all trainees conducting research in biomedical sciences, engineering and technology. Preference will be given to iBEST trainees.
Poster Awards
- First Place Award ($200)
- Second Place Award ($150)
- Third Place Award ($100)
Online Submission
- To register for the competition, submit a 300-word or less abstract online by Sunday, April 27, 11:59 p.m. (EDT).
- The abstract should summarize the research displayed in your poster and presentation in 300 words or less, excluding the title and authors with affiliation. Figures and tables are not permitted.
Poster Format and Requirements
- Each poster competition participant will be responsible for developing, printing and setting up their poster at the Symposium event.
- Each poster competition participant will be assigned a poster stand to display their research poster.
- The poster stand can accommodate posters sized Portrait format A0 dimensions (84.1cm width X 118.9cm height).
- Posters must include a title and full author list.
- Space for the Poster Competition is limited to 50 submissions. Once capacity is reached, the submission portal will close.
Event Day Poster Setup
- Poster set-up will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 8 – 10 a.m.
- Participants must check in with the iBEST event desk.
Event Day Judging
- Official judges will evaluate the posters during the Symposium. At the time of the Poster Competition, Trainees are expected to be at their posters to give the judges a summary presentation of their posters.
Judging Process
Judges will pre-screen all submissions before the day of the event to assist with efficient and fair judgment on May 16, 2025.
Judges will score each finalist’s poster according to the criteria outlined below, and the three highest-scoring posters will receive awards.
| Category | Description | Points |
| Scientific Content and Rigor | Strength of the research question, methodology and conclusions. | 5 |
| Clarity and Organization | Logical flow of information, ease of understanding, structured layout and effective use of figures, charts and images. | 5 |
| Presentation and Communication | How well the trainee explains their research and engages with the judges. | 5 |
| Impact and Innovation | The potential of the research to contribute to biomedical innovation and clinical applications. | 5 |
Trainee Presentation Competition
Trainees will present their research in a live oral presentation.
NOTE: Trainees must compete in the Poster Competition to be eligible to compete in the Presentation Competition.
The presentation competition is only open to submissions focused on research in one of the following categories:
- Drug Delivery
- Translational Models
- Machine Learning and AI
Online Submission and Requirements
- To register, submit a maximum 5-minute video presentation and slide presentation (up to 5 slides) at the time of registration by Sunday, April 27, 11:59 p.m. (EDT).
- The video should summarize and explain your research.
- A review panel will pre-screen all submissions. The selected trainees will be featured as the finalist and will present on the day of the iBEST Symposium.
- Presentation Competition sessions will feature a total of 9 participants (3 per session). The sessions are 1) Drug Delivery, 2) Translational Models and 3) Machine Learning and AI.
- Finalists will be notified one week before the event on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Presentation Categories and Awards
- Best Presentation – Drug Delivery ($200)
- Best Presentation – Translational Models ($200)
- Best Presentation – Machine Learning & AI ($200)
Presentation Format
- Each presentation session will feature 3 trainees per category (a total of 9 participants).
- All submissions will be reviewed by selected judges, and the selected trainees will be featured as the finalist and will present on the day of the symposium.
- Finalists will be notified one week before the event on Friday, May 9, 2025.
- Presentations must be 5 to 7 minutes, followed by a 2-to-3-minute Q&A session.
Judging Process
Judges will score each presentation according to the following criteria, and the final scores will be averaged to determine the winners:
| Category | Description | Points |
| Scientific Impact and Innovation | The significance of the research in advancing knowledge, clinical applications or biomedical innovation. Novelty of approach. | 5 |
| Clarity and Organization | The structure of the presentation, logical flow and how well the research is explained. | 5 |
| Engagement and Communication | Effectiveness in engaging the audience, using clear language and answering questions. | 5 |
| Visuals and Delivery | Quality of slides, appropriate use of visuals, 5 confident speaking style and time management. | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in both competitions?
Yes, but you can only win one award (your highest score will determine which award).
Are there specific research topics required for the Trainee Presentation Competition?
Yes. The Trainee Presentation Competition is focused on three main research categories:
- Drug Delivery
- Translational Models
- Machine Learning and AI
Your research must align with one of these categories to be eligible for the competition. If you are unsure whether your research fits into one of these topics, please reach out to ibest@torontomu.ca for clarification before submitting your application.
Can submissions feature in-progress research?
Yes. Posters and presentation submissions can feature in-progress or completed research.
Can I update my submission after registering?
Yes, changes can be made until the final submission deadline of Monday, April 28, 5:00 p.m. EDT. Please email ibest@torontomu.ca for any changes.
When will I know if I am selected as a finalist for the Trainee Presentation?
Finalists will be announced one week before the 2025 iBEST Symposium on Friday May 9, 2025.
What happens if there is a tie in scoring?
In case of a tie, the score for “Impact and Innovation” will be used as a tie-breaker.
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