Showcase Your Research. Expand Your Network. Advance Water Quality.
ABSTRACTS DUE BY NOVEMBER 13, 2026 | EMAIL TO [email protected]
The Student Research Poster Competition recognizes emerging researchers who advance the knowledge and science of high-quality, sustainable water. We invite current undergraduate, master's, doctoral (PhD), and postdoctoral researchers to submit abstracts for consideration in this competitive program.
Selected finalists must attend and present their work at the Water Quality Association's (WQA) Convention + Expo in Phoenix, Arizona on April 29 and 30, 2027. Building on our prior competitions, the program continues to emphasize water quality challenges while expanding opportunities for visibility, networking, and research communication.
Why Apply?
Get Inspired. Before you submit, take a look at past scholarship winners. You'll see how researchers showcased their work and made complex water quality topics accessible to industry professionals.
Selected finalists must attend and present their work at the Water Quality Association's (WQA) Convention + Expo in Phoenix, Arizona on April 29 and 30, 2027. Building on our prior competitions, the program continues to emphasize water quality challenges while expanding opportunities for visibility, networking, and research communication.
Why Apply?
- Present your research to water treatment leaders, manufacturers, and dealers at a leading industry event
- Compete for one of two $1,000 scholarship awards
- Connect with water treatment professionals and potential employers
- Gain exposure for your work beyond academia
- Contribute to solutions that improve drinking water quality
- Receive complimentary event registration and a $500 travel stipend if selected
Get Inspired. Before you submit, take a look at past scholarship winners. You'll see how researchers showcased their work and made complex water quality topics accessible to industry professionals.
Competition Requirements
Eligibility and restriction requirements are described below. Questions may be directed to [email protected] at any time.
Eligibility and restriction requirements are described below. Questions may be directed to [email protected] at any time.
Eligible Topics: Submissions should address drinking water quality, treatment, public health, sustainability, or related topics. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Field data on the performance of point-of-use / point-of-entry (POU/POE) treatment in real-world conditions
- Smart technologies & remote monitoring: investigate sensors, connected devices, and remote technologies
- Co-occurring contaminants: identify interferences that may affect treatment performance
- Drinking water monitoring and analytics
- Public knowledge, education, and outreach
- Policy or implementation challenges related to drinking water treatment
- Environmental Stewardship: evaluate how POU/POE can reduce the overall environmental impact of water treatment
Restrictions: To ensure fairness and maintain a research-focused competition:
- Manufacturer names, product brands, and model numbers may not be identified in submissions.
- Product development or commercialization proposals for new technologies are not eligible.
- Submissions should focus on scientific, technical, educational, or public health contributions rather than product promotion.
Submission and Selection Process
- Submit your abstract by Nov. 13, 2026
- Up to 8 finalists will be selected by Dec. 11, 2026
- Finalists create a digital poster using the provided template
- Present your work in-person at the poster gallery on April 29 and 30, 2027
Phase 1: Abstracts (written and video formats are required)
Written abstracts are limited to 300 words and must clearly address:
- The drinking water challenge or problem being addressed
- Methods or approach
- Results and conclusions, if available (preliminary findings are also acceptable)
- Expected impact and practical relevance to drinking water industry
*NEW FOR 2027* Applicants must submit a 30-60 second video abstract alongside their written abstract. A simple smartphone, tablet, or webcam recording is perfectly acceptable. Videos will be evaluated on the clarity of the research explanation, not production quality. Select video abstracts may be featured on WQRF communication channels to promote the competition (with your permission).
A panel of industry leaders and researchers will evaluate abstract submissions and select up to 8 finalists based on:
- Relevance to drinking water challenges
- Originality and innovation
- Evidence-based approach and scientific merit
- Potential impact and applicability
- Quality of communication
Phase 2: Digital Poster Development
Selected finalists will receive WQRF's official digital poster template, presentation instructions, and event logistic information. Posters will be displayed digitally in the David Loveday Memorial Poster Gallery. This allows attendees and judges to engage with the research throughout the event.
All finalists will be awarded complimentary event registration and a $500 travel stipend to offset costs associated with attending the WQA Convention & Expo.
Up to two outstanding submissions will receive a $1,000 David Loveday Memorial Scholarship Award.
Selected finalists will receive WQRF's official digital poster template, presentation instructions, and event logistic information. Posters will be displayed digitally in the David Loveday Memorial Poster Gallery. This allows attendees and judges to engage with the research throughout the event.
All finalists will be awarded complimentary event registration and a $500 travel stipend to offset costs associated with attending the WQA Convention & Expo.
Up to two outstanding submissions will receive a $1,000 David Loveday Memorial Scholarship Award.
