The BioFestival is a unique event designed to celebrate and advance the field of science. Hosted at Johns Hopkins University on September 12th, 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
Johns Hopkins University
Imagine Center
113 W University Pkwy, Baltimore, MD 21210
Imagine Center
113 W University Pkwy, Baltimore, MD 21210
Date & Time
September 12, 2025
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Program
1:00 PM
Welcome Message & Networking Reception
2:00 PM
BioDisruptor Grant Competition
3:00 PM
Lunch
4:00 PM
BioDisruptor Grant Competition Winner Announcement
5:00 PM
Event Concludes
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.
Judges will evaluate posters and lightning talk presentations based on the following:
Lightning Talks Rubric
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?
Posters Rubric
1. Scientific Impact & Rigor
Does the research demonstrate a strong scientific foundation and methodology? Is the data well-supported and conclusions logically derived?
2. Clarity & Organization
Is the poster visually well-organized and easy to follow? Are key concepts, figures, and results presented in a clear and logical manner?
3. Novelty & Creativity
Are the proposed methods and experimental design appropriate for achieving the research objectives? Is there a unique or creative approach to addressing the research question?
4. Presentation & Engagement
Does the presenter effectively communicate their research and engage with the audience? Are they able to answer questions confidently and clearly?
5. Disruptive Potential
Does the research have the potential to significantly advance the field or create real-world applications? Could it lead to major changes in industry, policy, or scientific understanding?
Judges will evaluate posters and lightning talk presentations based on the following:
Lightning Talks Rubric
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?
Posters Rubric
1. Scientific Impact & Rigor
Does the research demonstrate a strong scientific foundation and methodology? Is the data well-supported and conclusions logically derived?
2. Clarity & Organization
Is the poster visually well-organized and easy to follow? Are key concepts, figures, and results presented in a clear and logical manner?
3. Novelty & Creativity
Are the proposed methods and experimental design appropriate for achieving the research objectives? Is there a unique or creative approach to addressing the research question?
4. Presentation & Engagement
Does the presenter effectively communicate their research and engage with the audience? Are they able to answer questions confidently and clearly?
5. Disruptive Potential
Does the research have the potential to significantly advance the field or create real-world applications? Could it lead to major changes in industry, policy, or scientific understanding?
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FAQs
At the time of application, is the project I submit supposed to be in-progress (or even near completion), or speculative/proposed? The PR materials sound like I’m presenting on work already done/near done, but the criteria language for judging sounds speculative.
The project should be in progress but not completed. This will allow for you to share the potential impact of the work on the scientific world and your personal career journey as well as how disruptive you anticipate it will be. Assuming many students will be working over the summer, these types of research projects would be great to highlight.
Can I only submit if I need funding? I.e., are awards based on budgetary needs, or can I win just for being fabulously disruptive? Is the award discretionary, budget-driven, or some combination?
The research will be selected based off the ones that are most disruptive to the industry. Budgetary needs will not be addressed or questioned in the application.
Can a team submit? How?
We are most focused on individual submissions. However, we are open to a small group (2-3) of students applying if they are in the same lab. If a team applies, they will be able to present together during the lightning round or poster presentation and if selected as a winner, will split the prize money.
Can this be work that’s already supported financially?
Yes.
Can this be something I’m doing under faculty/staff mentorship, or must it be completely ‘independent’? If the former, is there a clear line between me being ‘the researcher’ vs. a staffer in someone’s lab?
This can be research completed under a faculty/staff mentorship or completed independently. For students working with a PI, you will be required to submit a letter showcasing your PI is okay with your participation.
Contact Us
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.