Application Details
Application Deadline: Monday, October 23 (11:59 PM)
Notice of Acceptance: by Friday, October 27
Event Date: Thursday, November 2, 2023 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Information
Tracks: We will accept applications for projects across three thematic tracks. The application will ask you which track you feel your research best fits. You may select more than one option. Learn more about tracks here.
Create - Experimental Research
Change - Iterate and Transform
Converge - Applications of Data and Computer Science
Eligibility: The application is open to any currently enrolled undergraduate student at Columbia or Barnard, and within any major or discipline. Students are welcome to submit projects from classes, but it is not required. We welcome projects that students may be conducting independently from courses, or independently of faculty oversight.
Presentation Format: Applicants must specify a presentation format. Format details are included below.
Info Session: Applicants can attend our info session on Wednesday, October 18 to learn more about the application and ask any questions. Register to attend here.
Presentation Formats
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Research Posters
Research posters should fit on an easel. We will provide foam board in 20×30 and 30×40 inch sizes, as well as an easel. If you need your poster to be a different size, please plan to bring your own foam board to mount your poster. We will provide thumb tacks for all posters. You are welcome to use DSI’s poster template here to format your poster.
Real-World Examples: DSI Data, Media, and Society Spring 2022 Poster Session
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Table-Based Demonstrations and Visualization Projects
This category should primarily be digital, laptop or monitor based projects. You can show work such as data visualization project, a coding project in action, or robotics. You will receive a standard table and a power outlet to exhibit your work. You should plan to bring your own laptop or monitor display your project. You are also welcome to bring a monitor, printed materials, or small installations that will fit on a standard table.
Real-World Examples: New York Times Spotlight Graphics; Information is Beautiful Awards; iCubed Seminar: Capital One: Data Profiler Demo
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Startup and Entrepreneurial Projects
Startups may exhibit a live demo of their tech (on a laptop or phone); a slide presentation that shows examples of the company; and/or a physical product. You will receive a standard table and a power outlet. You should plan to bring printed materials that showcases your company, mission, and brand.
Real-World Examples: Vidrovr, founded by Columbia alumni; Companies founded by M.S. in Data Science Students
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Creative Tech, VR/AR Installations or Performances
This format is open for interpretation! We will work with you find the best space for your project at the fair. While this format is varied, your project could be: a VR/AR experience; a video game; a piece of installation art that uses data in some way; a sound experiment; or more.
Real-World Examples: Collaborative Exploration Of Urban Data in Virtual And Augmented Reality; Caroline Sinders, Feminist Data Set; Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: A Crack in the Hourglass, An Ongoing COVID-19 Memorial
Benefits of Applying
Participation will be of great benefit to students who want to make connections and take full advantage of data science and computer science communities across Columbia and Barnard.
Networking and Feedback: Showcasing your project will provide the opportunity for invaluable, tangible feedback from industry experts and senior faculty members. This feedback opens the door for collaboration, and the potential to unlock new ideas and take your project to the next level.
Prizes: We plan to have judges at the fair to evaluate your work. Prizes will be issued to the top projects. More details about prizes will be shared with you closer to the date of the event.
FAQ’s
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We will assign a space that best fits your work. Posters will be given an easel for display. Demos and startups will have a standard 6-foot table. Depending on the volume of applications, you may be asked to share a table with another team.
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As part of your acceptance email, you will receive a link to register as an exhibitor. Before the event, you will receive a second email with the event floor plan, including your setup number and area. The floor plan will be available on-site at the event to help you find your area.
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If your project is accepted, you will receive a code to register as an exhibitor on the Eventbrite page. You MUST register as an exhibitor yourself using this code to confirm your participation. This code, and a deadline to register, will be included in your acceptance email.
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We welcome works in progress and early ideas of new research. You will receive great feedback from other event participants, which you can use to grow your idea.
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You are welcome to submit projects you have done in your classes, but it is not required. We welcome projects that you may be conducting independently away from your courses, or independent of faculty oversight.
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We will work with you to find the best space for your project at the research fair. If your project is accepted, we will reach back out to you to discuss your specific space needs. Given the limited space at the venue, you may be asked to remain flexible regarding space.
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Yes! We welcome both individually created projects and projects that were created as a team.