Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
About GRADtalks
Our GRADtalks program has been postponed indefinitely. This page will be updated if and when additional events are organized.
About GRADtalks
GRADtalks is a series of research talks featuring two University of Waterloo doctoral students, speaking about a common theme from their research perspectives. A typical GRADtalks event is organized as such:
3:30-3:45 p.m. - introduction and welcoming remarks
3:45-4:05 p.m. - first speaker (often includes PowerPoint presentation)
4:05-4:25 p.m. - second speaker (often includes PowerPoint presentation)
4:25-4:45 p.m. - question and answer
4:45-5:30 p.m. - wine and cheese
GRADtalks provides a meaningful and collaborative setting for Waterloo graduate students to highlight their remarkable research. Speakers are also awarded a GRADtalks Research Dissemination Award, valued at $500.
GRADtalks selection and training
All interested GRADtalks speakers must first apply to the topic they believe matches their research the best.
Once the speaker application deadline has passed, our GRADtalks chair will contact a select number of applicants to be interviewed. The interview process typically occurs over the course of a week with the GRADtalks Chair looking to assess how the students’ research relates to the GRADtalks theme, fit between speakers, and ability to present to an academic audience. The chair will select the final two speakers.
The chosen speakers will then meet with a representative from the Writing and Communications Centre (WCC) over the course of two weeks for training. This training will include information on slide design, writing your presentation script and how to present to an academic audience.
Finally, both speakers, the GRADtalks chair and the representative from the WCC will meet the week of the GRADtalks event for a final run-through in the Board and Senate room. At this session, speakers can expect feedback on their presentation style and use of the room.
Previous GRADtalks Events
University of Waterloo's GRADtalks speakers series began in 2017 as a way for doctoral students to share their research with a broader audience. Since then we've hosted eight GRADtalks events, where over 15 students have participated.
Would you like to learn more about our previous GRADtalks events? Visit our web page for a complete list of topics and speakers.