The AISES National Conference Student Research Competition celebrates students who weave Indigenous knowledge and scientific innovation together to strengthen their communities. Whether bridging traditional and Western science, designing technology for tribal sovereignty, or creating community-centered solutions, your research matters.
Middle school through graduate students: submit an abstract that shows your curiosity, demonstrates your competence, and explains your impact before Friday, September 4, 11:59 PM PST.
Application Components
Please review the Research Competition Policies and Procedures (PDF) before submitting your application. Submitting your application means you understand and will adhere to the policies outlined.
A completed abstract submission includes:
Presenter Information
- Name, affiliation, and career level
- Optional tribal affiliation
- Co-presenters and acknowledgments
Research Details
- Title and community impact category
- 3-5 keywords
- Presentation format preference (oral or poster)
Indigenous Abstract Framework
- WHAT: Situates yourself and your research
- SO WHAT: Explains your project and your findings
- NOW WHAT: Explores community impact and next steps
View Research Competition Policies and Procedures (PDF)
Dates & Deadlines
Abstracts are accepted through Friday, September 4, 2026. Presentation capacity is limited; early submission is strongly encouraged.
Priority Deadline 1: Friday, July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
- Guaranteed review
- Accepted presenters receive complimentary registration
Priority Deadline 2: Friday, August 14, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
- Priority review
- Accepted presenters receive 50% registration discount
Final Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
- Reviewed on a space available basis
- Standard registration rates apply
Research Presentations: Thursday, October 16 & Friday, October 16, 2026
Eligibility
All students conducting STEM research - middle school through doctoral programs - regardless of where you are in your research journey.
All types of STEM research:
- Lab experiments and field research
- Community-based and participatory studies
- Traditional knowledge documentation and integration
- Engineering, computer science, mathematics
- Social science, health sciences, education research
- Interdisciplinary and emerging approaches
- Works in progress and unexpected findings
Evaluation
Research abstracts will be submitted using an Indigenous-centered framework that asks you to situate yourself in your work and connect your research to community impact. Oral and poster presentations will be evaluated using our Four Strands rubric that assesses Interest in STEM, Engagement & Belonging, STEM Competencies & Confidence, and Future Intentions.
Learn More About the Four Strands
Questions? Contact research@aises.org
Once your research presentation is confirmed by AISES, you will receive the applicable registration discount code to register for the conference. Do not register for the conference before you receive a code! If you do register and pay in advance of receiving this code, your registration refund is subject to the Cancellation and Refund Policy.
