Capitol Graduate Research Summit

2026 CAPITOL GRADUATE RESEARCH SUMMIT (CGRS)

March 24, 2026

State Capitol Building, Topeka, KS

APPLICATION PERIOD

November 1, 2025 - December 1 at 11:59 PM CST

Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs 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:

1. Professional development
   • Strengthen research presentation skills
   • Enhance research communication skills to various non-specialist audiences
2. Networking
   • Connect with graduate students at other Kansas universities
   • Engage with Kansas policy makers and representatives
   • Share your research with KU faculty and administrators
3. 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

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.

Applications

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

Please prepare the following information for the application:

• Confirm availability to attend events
  • 2 February Workshops (scheduled once attendees are selected)
  • Mar. 5 | Poster Session
  • Mar. 24 | 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