How much science can you learn in the time it takes to watch an ad break? 10 graduate students from each of UC’s campuses will put their science communication skills to the test in Sacramento at the 2026 Grad Slam.
What’s happening: The University of California hosts its annual Grad Slam, where graduate students explain complex research in just 3 minutes. The event takes place on Wednesday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Watch online and vote for your favorite talk at gradslam.universityofcalifornia.edu.
Why it matters: The competition showcases cutting-edge research — from automating food safety to battling cancer and fighting Valley Fever — in ways the public can actually understand.
The big picture goal isn’t just winning, it’s teaching grad students to communicate clearly, land jobs, secure funding and demystify research.
How it works:
One finalist from each of UC’s 10 campuses
Months of prep to simplify years of research
Judged by leaders in academia, media and industry — a cross-section of the real-world audiences with whom researchers must connect
What’s at stake
$18,000 in total prize money
The coveted “Slammy” trophy for first place
Audience also votes for a People’s Choice winner
What they’re saying
By the numbers: Around 28,000 Ph.D. students across UC contribute to research innovation day in and day out. Their contributions change the course of California and the nation, and the work they do here reverberates for decades, sparking new industries and improving quality of life.
Keynote, judges and sponsors: This year, a special keynote presentation from California Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón will address the importance of protecting federal research funding. Born and raised in the 21st district, Sen. Limón is the first mother and first Latina ever to hold the position of Senate President pro Tempore.
This year’s competition is sponsored by Google Gemini.
Watch last year’s winning talk
