ORGANIZER
- College of Sciences and Human Studies - Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
- Department of Campus Life - Student Affairs - Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
COMPETITION BRIEF
Building on the success of its inaugural launch in Fall 2025, the PMU Undergraduate Research Competition returns for its fourth edition, now expanded to the regional level. This year, we are proud to welcome participation from universities across the Kingdom, GCC, and the Middle East, further fostering a collaborative academic environment. Additionally, internationally renowned researchers will enrich the experience of the young academics with insights from global perspectives. The competition is a dynamic platform for undergraduate students to explore their research interests, present their findings, and engage in intellectual discussions. By encouraging scientific inquiry and creativity, the event aims to empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop innovative ideas, and gain valuable exposure to academic research. Beyond recognizing academic excellence, the PMU Undergraduate Research Competition is designed to celebrate student achievements, emphasizing their contributions to academic and professional communities. This competition fosters an environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, exploration, and knowledge-sharing, inspiring the next generation of researchers and innovators.
COMPETITION DETAILS
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University - Main Campus
Language: English
Type:
OBJECTIVES
• To promote undergraduate research and encourage students to actively engage in scientific inquiry.
• To provide a platform for students to present their research and gain recognition for their work.
• To foster interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of ideas among students from different universities.
• To enhance students' research and presentation skills, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.
• To connect students with experts in their fields, offering opportunities for mentorship and networking.
• To cultivate a culture of innovation, encouraging students to propose creative solutions to contemporary challenges.
COMPETITION WORKFLOW
The event program features the following highlights:
• The Competition: A dynamic, fair-style setup where participants present their research ideas through posters. Judges will approach candidates, discuss their proposals, and evaluate their work. This is your opportunity to present your research idea to a wider audience and receive valuable feedback!
• Internationally Renowned Researchers: During and after the competition, participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with a group of internationally renowned researchers who are recognized among the top 2% of the world’s scientists and most cited scholars in their fields. This interactive session aims to provide participants with a broader global perspective, enrich their academic experience, and inspire future research collaborations and innovations..
• Awards and closing: The event will conclude with the presentation of awards, recognizing the outstanding contributions of participants, followed by a closing address from the guest speakers and organizers.
EVALUATION CRITERIA / RUBRIC
Research (50 points)
• Research idea is original and innovative.
• Research has practical significance/is relevant to community and/or current industry needs.
• Research methodology is rigorous (e.g. method relevant to the research question, sampling, procedure, replicability etc.)
Communication (30 points)
• Student clearly explains project, including initial problem or question, the methods, and the significance
• Student is able to explain the research to a general audience that does not necessarily have knowledge of the subject area.
• Student uses appropriate voice tone, volume and pace. • Student demonstrates enthusiasm for the research project.
Presentation (20 points)
• Research is presented in a clear and coherent way.
• Poster content is displayed in a way that allows for clear interpretation.
• Digital images, pictures, charts and other visuals are of a high quality.
DISTINCTION PRIZES
- First Prize: 5000 SAR
- Second Prize: 3000 SAR
- Third Prize: 2000 SAR
- Special Prize for Originality and Innovativeness: 1000 SAR
Certificates of participation for all participants presenting their posters in the competition.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Research proposal posters should adhere to the following:
1- Research Idea/Topic: Your proposal should reflect a research idea (not a completed research project with results) that aligns with your field of studies, major, or personal interest. We encourage you to explore questions or topics that ignite your passion and curiosity within the context of your academic interests. This could be a challenging issue, an unexplored aspect, or a current trend that deserves further investigation.
2- Research Question: Write a concise research question that defines the scope of your inquiry.
3- Method: Identify the method that you will use to collect and analyze your research data, that is appropriate for your field of study, and that aligns with your research question.
4- Significance: State the importance of your research and explain how it contributes to existing knowledge, fills a gap, solves a problem or else.
5- Poster size: at least 27x39 inch (70x100 cm)
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
- Posters must present an original research proposal — not completed research with results.
- Open to undergraduate students (only) enrolled in any recognized university.
- Submissions can be individual or group projects (max 3 members per group).
- Posters must be entirely in English.
- Posters will be displayed on grids provided by PMU.
- Posters must be on a cardboard and ready for display upon arrival.
- Participants must be present during judging and public viewing sessions.
- No plagiarism — submissions must be the participant’s own work.
- Respectful conduct towards judges, staff, and fellow participants is expected.
- Any breach of rules may lead to disqualification.
- Join us — no registration fees required!
- Refreshments will be provided throughout the event.
- Participants joining from outside PMU are kindly requested to arrange their own travel and accommodation.