The BioFestival is a unique event designed to celebrate and advance the field of science. Hosted at the Institute for Genome Sciences at University of Maryland School of Medicine on October 17th, 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
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Institute for Genome Sciences
Health Sciences Research Facility III
670 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Institute for Genome Sciences
Health Sciences Research Facility III
670 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Date & Time
October 17, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Program
10:00 AM
Welcome Message & Networking Reception
11:00 AM
BioDisruptor Grant Competition
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
BioDisruptor Grant Competition Winner Announcement
2:00 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. A select number of finalists will be selected to present either a poster or a lightning talk from the student submitted abstracts. 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:
• 5 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.
Posters will be presented between 10 AM and 1 PM.
• 5 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.
Posters will be presented between 10 AM and 1 PM.
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?
Deadlines
• Deadline to submit your proposal (an abstract of your research) for consideration: September 19th, 2025.
• Selected finalists will be informed by October 3rd, 2025 that they will be participating in the lightning talks on October 17, 2025.
• Selected finalists will be informed by October 3rd, 2025 that they will be participating in the lightning talks on October 17, 2025.
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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.