Judges
Support the Next Generation of Scientists - Be a Judge at the 25th Tech & Science Undergraduate Research Forum!
Providing students with feedback on their research and presentation skills is one of the most valuable aspects of the Tech & Science Undergraduate Research Forum (URF). Your insights help students refine their ability to communicate complex ideas to a broad audience—a crucial skill for any scientist or researcher.
We invite faculty, postdocs, graduate students, staff, industry professionals, alumni, and community partners to serve as judges and evaluate student research posters. No prior judging experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to engage with the next generation of scientists. Judges can participate virtually, in person, or both!
April 9th update: JUDGING SIGN UP IS NOW CLOSED. If you would still like to sign up as an in-person judge, then you can attend the event and sign up at Judge Check In.
Why Judge?
Inspire and support students as they present their research.
Engage with cutting-edge projects in science and technology.
Network with fellow faculty, industry partners, and researchers.
Enjoy exclusive perks, including VIP Lounge access, Texas Science swag, and entry into our judge’s raffle!
Judging Options
🔹 Virtual Judging: Self-paced online judging from Wednesday, April 15th at 8:00 AM to Friday, April 17th at 11:59 PM.
🔹 In-Person Judging: Friday, April 17th on the Welch Hall Grand Concourse. Choose from three judging sessions:
Session 1: 12:15-1:30pm
Session 2: 1:45-3:00pm
Session 3: 3:15-4:30pm
💰 Join the Award Committee! We’re also seeking judges to help select winners for over $14,000 in student awards. Awards Committee members must be an expert in their field with an advanced degree and be available to attend all 3 sessions in-person on April 17th.
📧 Questions? Email us at urf@austin.utexas.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which posters to submit feedback on?
The week of Forum you will receive an email from RocketJudge with your instructions and assigned student projects to review and give feedback on. Each ballot will include the URL to the student's virtual poster presentation and their session/poster number for in-person judging. You will submit your feedback directly through RocketJudge and do not need to download an app in order to submit your feedback. You also do NOT need a log in to Fourwaves to view projects or submit your ballots.
We will try to assign you posters to judge than align with your areas of expertise from your judging registration. However, you may get a few students that fall outside or adjacent to your area of expertise as our goal is to get every student presenter as much feedback on their project as possible. For these students, please do your best to give them feedback on their projects and focus on their science communication skills.
What do I evaluate the student projects on?
You will evaluate the student projects on 6 criteria on a scale of 1-10. The criteria are: statement of the problem, methodology, results, conclusions, visual layout, and oral presentation. RocketJudge will also prompt you to comment on the strengths of the project and your suggestions for improvement. Please write a comment for each student as these comments are the most valuable for our students' growth as researchers.
Can I look at virtual posters other than the ones I was assigned?
Sure! You can click on "presentations" in the website navigation bar and then browse or search projects.
Where is the Presentation Number on the student presentations and what does it mean?
The ID number in the top left corner of a project's virtual presentation card tells you where you can find the student's poster during the in-person event. The ID number will start with A, B, or C, referring to the session that the student is presenting in and the number refers to their presentation slot. When you check in at the event, you will receive a map showing where the poster numbers are located in the event hall. This number is also the ID number in RocketJudge.
Where should I park for the event?
We strongly recommend using rideshare or public transportation to get to campus as our parking garages tend to fill up in the monring. If you do decide to drive, we recommend parking in the Speedway, San Antonio, San Jacinto, or 27th Street Garages. There are often other large events on campus the day of Forum so leave plenty of time for parking and considering carpooling.
How do I find the student's poster I've been assigned at the in-person event?
The student's ID Number in RocketJudge will start with A, B, or C, referring to the session that the student is presenting in and the number refers to their presentation slot in Welch Hall. When you check in at the event, you will receive a map showing where the poster numbers are located in the event hall.
What is the VIP Hospitality Suite?
The VIP Hospitality Suite is a place for our guests and judges to relax and enjoy light refreshments during the URF. Please check in at guest and judge check in to receive your Texas Science wristband that will let you into the suite.
Student Poster Evaluation: Best Practices
Be encouraging when asking questions, offering suggestions, or giving constructive criticism. Highlight what the student is doing well alongside what they could improve upon.
In an effort to be fair, try to spend ample time with each presentation you are assigned.
Every student and project should be treated with respect and consideration. Inappropriate, derogatory, or personal comments will not be tolerated.
Be positive, enthusiastic, and supportive of the student’s work and efforts.
If a conflict of interest arises, where you are well acquainted with a student you’ve been assigned to judge, let us know so we can reassign you a poster that will eliminate the conflict.
