Nowhere is brevity as appreciated and expected as in the research world. Being able to choose and present relevant information without burdening the audience with voluminous data is a skill of utmost importance. Canvas, our poster presentation event, aims to develop and nurture this very skill. Given limited space, can you convey your ideas effectively? Within the limits of a technical poster, can you balance text with diagrams, scientific concepts with aesthetics? If you think so, hone your presentation skills and get those posters ready, because at Canvas, only the clear and concise survive!

In this event, contestants prepare a technical poster that showcases and effectively presents research findings, new ideas in a field or even an entire business plan. The main idea of the event is to analyse a topic and exhibit presentation skills within the restricted space of expression.
All data and figures, including references are to be included on the poster; other presentation aids like slides or pamphlets will not be allowed.

(Some guidelines to making a technical poster may be found at: http://lorien.ncl.ac.uk/ming/dept/tips/present/posters.htm)

From various exciting fields, a few specific topics where one can best exhibit innovation within real world situations are shortlisted:

• Semiconductors and Superconductors
• Finite Element Analysis
• Aerospace materials
  
• Fatigue and Fracture
• Thin films and nanomaterials
• Materials management for a greener future

Participants must bring a hard copy of their poster(dimensions specified in rules) to the venue. The presentation has to be made to an eminent panel of judges. The entire presentation must not exceed 20 minutes.

Rules and Regulations

• Contestants will have to register online for the event.
• Participants are required to submit an abstract of their idea not exceeding 500 words before October 20^th 2011.
• Short listing will be done based on the abstract.
• Selected candidates have to present their idea on a standard poster of dimensions 3ft x 4ft.
• The poster can be either handmade or printed.
• All relevant data and figures must be represented in the poster.
• Organisers’ decision will be final and binding.

Judgement Criteria

• Correctness of facts.
• Understanding of the problem
• Methods of analysis
• Presentation of solution or ideas
• Practical feasibility or implication of ideas

Q) What should an abstract describe?
An abstract should clearly state the topic and briefly describe the problem that the participant has chosen to present upon. A rough idea of the solutions to the problem must be conveyed in the abstract. It must not exceed 500 words.

Q) Are participants restricted to presenting posters on specific areas suggested topics only?
The topics suggested are meant to stimulate ideas in fields relevant to engineers today. Any area within the listed topics may be chosen for presentation.

Q) Should the poster necessarily showcase new ideas or solutions?
Posters can be used to present solutions to existing problems or to elaborate existing ideas in light  of present day needs. Innovation and fresh ideas will, however, be appreciated.

Q) Should participants have conducted research in their chosen field?
No, research is not a pre-requisite for participation. However, the principal research conducted in the field must be taken into account. The review of all the relevant research papers is encouraged.

Q) What is the duration of presentation?
All presentations should be limited to 20 minutes.

Suhas Karanth - (+91) 9740726389 

Mail your queries to suhas@engineer.org.in