The BioFestival is a unique event designed to celebrate and advance the field of science. Hosted at Caltech on May 2nd, 2025, this vibrant event offers a platform for researchers, faculty, and students to showcase their cutting-edge research, engage with leading scientists, and participate in interactive exhibits, networking sessions, and lively discussions.
The highlight of the event is the BioDisruptor Grant Competition, where finalists compete for prestigious grants to support their disruptive research projects. With significant cash prizes and valuable Zymo Research reagents and services up for grabs, the competition encourages innovation and supports early-career scientists in making impactful discoveries.
The highlight of the event is the BioDisruptor Grant Competition, where finalists compete for prestigious grants to support their disruptive research projects. With significant cash prizes and valuable Zymo Research reagents and services up for grabs, the competition encourages innovation and supports early-career scientists in making impactful discoveries.
Location
California Institute of Technology
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
Date & Time
May 2, 2025
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Program
11:00 AM
Networking Reception
Moore Walk
12:30 PM
BioDisruptor Grant Competition & Lunch
Chen 100 Auditorium
1:30 PM
BioDisruptor Grant Competition Winner Announcement
Chen 100 Auditorium
3:00 PM
Event Concludes
Moore Walk
BioDisruptor Grant
The BioDisruptor Grant Competition offer student researchers the opportunity to present their disruptive research to a panel of esteemed judges at the BioFestival. The competition is designed to encourage innovation and highlight research that challenges the status quo in the field. Students may submit their abstracts in advance and, from these submissions, a select number of finalists will be chosen to present their research in lightning talks during the festival. These finalists will compete for prestigious grants, including funding, Zymo Research reagents, and services.
Competition Format
Each finalist will give a lightning talk, consisting of a 5-minute presentations:
• 3 minutes for presenting their research
• 2 minutes for questions from the panel of judges.
Judges will evaluate the presentations based on the criteria listed below, using the provided rubric. At the end of the event, the winners will be announced and awarded the BioDisruptor Grant.
• 3 minutes for presenting their research
• 2 minutes for questions from the panel of judges.
Judges will evaluate the presentations based on the criteria listed below, using the provided rubric. At the end of the event, the winners will be announced and awarded the BioDisruptor Grant.
Judging criteria & Rubric
Each criterion will be graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.
1. Originality & Innovation
How does the research propose to address existing limitations or challenges in the field?
2. Impact Potential
What are the potential implications of the research for scientific knowledge or practical applications?
3. Feasibility
Are the proposed methods and experimental design appropriate for achieving the research objectives?
4. Relevance to Field
How does the research address current trends, emerging topics, or pressing issues in molecular biology?
5. Disruptive Potential
In what ways does the research challenge conventional wisdom or established practices in molecular biology?
1. Originality & Innovation
How does the research propose to address existing limitations or challenges in the field?
2. Impact Potential
What are the potential implications of the research for scientific knowledge or practical applications?
3. Feasibility
Are the proposed methods and experimental design appropriate for achieving the research objectives?
4. Relevance to Field
How does the research address current trends, emerging topics, or pressing issues in molecular biology?
5. Disruptive Potential
In what ways does the research challenge conventional wisdom or established practices in molecular biology?
Deadlines
• Deadline to submit your proposal (an abstract of your research) for consideration: April 21, 2025.
• Selected finalists will be informed by April 23, 2025 that they will be participating in the lightning talks on May 2, 2025.
• Selected finalists will be informed by April 23, 2025 that they will be participating in the lightning talks on May 2, 2025.
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Have questions or need assistance?
We're here to help! Reach out to us with any inquiries regarding the event, registration, or participation. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
We're here to help! Reach out to us with any inquiries regarding the event, registration, or participation. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Zymo Research, a privately owned biotech company founded in 1994, is a global leader in molecular tools for life sciences. Driven by the principle "The Beauty of Science is to Make Things Simple," Zymo Research is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that address complex scientific challenges.
Known also as The Epigenetics Company, Zymo Research offers a comprehensive range of technologies, including solutions for sample collection, DNA/RNA purification, library preparation, microbiomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, genomics, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services.
In addition to its cutting-edge technologies, Zymo Research is committed to sustainability. By engineering environmentally friendly solutions, the company strives to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future through scientific innovation.
For more information, please visit www.zymoresearch.com and follow Zymo Research on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
Known also as The Epigenetics Company, Zymo Research offers a comprehensive range of technologies, including solutions for sample collection, DNA/RNA purification, library preparation, microbiomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, genomics, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services.
In addition to its cutting-edge technologies, Zymo Research is committed to sustainability. By engineering environmentally friendly solutions, the company strives to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future through scientific innovation.
For more information, please visit www.zymoresearch.com and follow Zymo Research on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram.