Capitol Graduate Research Summit

The Capitol Graduate Research Summit (CGRS) provides an opportunity for selected graduate students to expose state government, education officials, and the public to the quality of graduate research performed in the state of Kansas.

2025 CAPITOL GRADUATE RESEARCH SUMMIT (CGRS)

March 25, 2025

State Capitol Building, Topeka, KS

APPLICATION PERIOD

November 11, 2024 - January 24, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST

The Office of Graduate Studies invites graduate students from all disciplines to apply to participate in the Capitol Graduate Research Summit. The event is an opportunity to show the State of Kansas the impactful research being conducted by graduate students at universities across the state.

Up to eight KU Lawrence campus students will be selected to join their peers from Kansas State University, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Pittsburg State University, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, and Wichita State University in Topeka at the Capitol Building. The participating students will present their research in poster board format to legislators and other members of state government.

CGRS Benefits

The Capitol Graduate Research Summit is an opportunity for a select group of graduate students to share their research with State leaders. Some of the benefits associated with participating in this event are:

Professional development
- Strengthen research presentation skills
- Enhance research communication skills to various non-specialist audiences
Networking
- Connect with graduate students at other Kansas universities
- Engage with Kansas policy makers and representatives
- Share your research with KU faculty and administrators
Recognition
- All participants recognized at the CGRS Award Ceremony
- Top CGRS presenters receive a certificate and a $500 monetary award
- Participants highlighted on social media and news releases

CGRS Timeline

Applications for CGRS open on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Applications for CGRS close on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Data Visualization for a Legislative Audience Workshop

Day: Friday, February 7, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Poster Session

Day: Thursday, March 6, 2025

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Capitol Graduate Research Summit

Day: Tuesday, March 25, 2024

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Venue: State Capitol, Topeka, KS

Applications for CGRS open on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Applications for CGRS close on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Data Visualization for a Legislative Audience Workshop

Day: Friday, February 7, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Poster Session

Day: Thursday, March 6, 2025

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Capitol Graduate Research Summit

Day: Tuesday, March 25, 2024

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Venue: State Capitol, Topeka, KS

Required Professional Development

Students selected to represent KU in the Capitol Graduate Research Summit will be required to participate in the following professional development events.

The purpose of this workshop is to prepare selected graduate students to present research to a lay audience, and particularly, to legislators.

The workshop will focus on:

Importance of effective data visualization.
Use of color and chart elements.
Best practices for designing your poster.

The poster session provides selected graduate students the opportunity to present a draft version of their poster in a similar exhibition format to the CGRS event.

KU Research and Communications staff, faculty, as well as community members will serve as mock judges and attendees in order for selected graduate students to practice discussing their research with a non-specialist audience. Staff and faculty will also provide feedback on posters to support selected graduate students in building the final versions of their poster for the CGRS event.

Applications

Graduate students can apply to represent KU Lawrence campus at the CGRS through the online application form linked below.

Please prepare the following information for the application:

Confirm availability to attend events
- Feb. 7 | Data Visualization for a Legislative Audience Workshop
- Mar. 6 | Poster Session
- Mar. 25 | CGRS event
Research abstract
- 250 word limit
Impact and benefits to Kansas
- Explanation for a general, non-academic audience of how your research impacts and benefits the state of Kansas, with a particular focus on economic and community development (250 word limit).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of communications and research experts. The review committee will focus on the following criteria to select the KU Lawrence CGRS representatives:

Clarity of research abstract
Alignment with interests of the state of Kansas
Evidence of impact and benefit to the state of Kansas

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need help writing the abstract, consider visiting the KU Writing Center. Additional advice may be found on the following websites:

UNC Writing Center on Abstracts

Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center on Abstracts

KU Lawrence CGRS presenters will receive a document providing guidance and basic tips to consider in preparing their posters. In addition, here are some resources that you can look at to prepare your poster:

Complete the online application using the button below before midnight (11:59 PM CST) on Friday, January 24, 2025. It is that easy!