Harvard is gearing up for an exciting new event — BioFestival, a science-filled day of lightning talks, posters, games, and prizes — all aimed at bringing trainees together to share their research and connect with industry. Sponsored by Zymo Research, the festival will take place on Saturday, October 18, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM in the Northwest Building Function Area, B100, and is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in the life sciences.
“This is really about getting scientists together to learn about each other’s work and to make a stronger connection between academic scientists and industry,” says Polina Dimitrova Kehayova, one of the event organizers. “Festival is the right word for it — there will be science-themed games, food, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to meet people.”
Zymo Research has been hosting BioFestivals at universities across the United States, including the University of Southern California, Caltech, and the University of Maryland, and Harvard will be one of the latest stops on their national tour. “It’s a fun, proven format that really energizes people,” Kehayova adds.
At the heart of the festival is a friendly scientific competition. Selected trainees will deliver five- to seven-minute lightning talks about research they are already working on or plan to pursue in the next year or two. “The only requirement is that you’re a trainee in a science lab,” Kehayova says, explaining that faculty cannot compete. “And it’s not about pie-in-the-sky ideas; it’s about real projects you’re actively pursuing.”
Applications for lightning talks are simple — just a 250-word abstract — and should be submitted by September 5. From those submissions, seven to eight speakers will be chosen to present during the festival. Presentations will be judged on both the quality of the research and the clarity and impact of the delivery. “Science communication is extremely important,” says Kehayova. “People will need to catch our attention in just a few minutes.”
Trainees who apply but are not selected for lightning talks will still have the opportunity to present their work during the poster session, which will also feature awards. Zymo Research is offering generous prizes for winners — including both personal cash awards and lab prizes in the form of free reagents.
Kehayova emphasizes that while the prizes are exciting, the broader goal is about personal and professional growth. “We all need to practice presenting our science and talking about our work,” she says. “This is a chance to do that in a supportive, energizing environment.”
The day will also feature food, networking with industry representatives, and plenty of science-themed fun. “Especially nowadays, it feels extra important to get together, celebrate each other’s science, and learn from one another,” says Kehayova. “And for a few lucky winners, it’s also a chance to walk away with a nice reward — maybe take your friends out to dinner or even plan a trip.”
Have questions? Email to Polina Kehayova
