UCSF - Zymo BioFestival 2025

About the BioFestival 2025 with Zymo Research

* Half-day molecular biology-themed fair with poster and grant competitions with cash and funding
prizes (First prize is $5,000 cash!).
* Network with industry professionals, researchers, and fellow emerging researchers.
* Explore booths from various Zymo Research business units with interactive activities and
scientific/technical demonstrations.
* Enjoy refreshments and a specialty coffee cart.
* Raffle prizes for attendees.

Graduate students and Junior Scientists (technicians & pre-doc researchers) are invited to participate in the BioDisruptor Research Grant and Poster competitions.

Tentative Agenda

Start End

1:30pm - 2:00pm BioFestival Begins; Registration check-in & Poster set-up

2:00pm - 2:15pm Opening Remarks

2:15pm - 3:30pm BioDisruptor Research Grant Flash-talks (8 x 5 min)

3:30pm - 4:30pm Refreshments and Poster judging

4:30pm - 5:00pm Continue Networking and BioFestival participation

5:00pm - 5:30pm Awardee announcements

BioDisruptor Poster and Grant Competition (RSVP closes February 6th):

Grad Students and Junior Scientists may enter the competitions for cash prizes. Two ways to win:

1. Submit an abstract of your research below and choose whether you want to present a poster during the event as part of the poster competition. All poster participants will display their posters throughout the event and be eligible for prizes based on the quality of their work.

2. Based on your registration abstract submission, 8 applicants will be chosen to give a 5-minute Lightning Talk, presenting their research to a panel of esteemed judges to compete for the BioDisruptor Grant award. If selected to present a lightning talk, you will be contacted ahead of time.

The Lightning Talk is designed to highlight disruptive and innovative research that challenges the status quo. Finalists will compete for prestigious grants, including funding, Zymo Research reagents, and services. It will consist of 3 minutes presenting your research and 2 minutes of questions from the panel of judges.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Award Criteria

All Abstracts, presentations, and posters will be assessed with the following criteria:

  • Originality & Innovation
  • Impact Potential
  • Feasibility
  • Relevance to Field
  • Disruptive Potential

Lightning Talk BioDisruptor Research Award Tiers

  • 1st Place: $5,000 Cash and $10,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services
  • 2nd Place: $2,500 Cash and $5,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services
  • 3rd Place: $1,500 Cash and $2,500 Zymo Research Reagents/Services

BioDisruptor Poster Award Tiers

  • Best overall poster: $500 Cash and $1,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services
  • Most innovative: $250 Cash and $1,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services
  • Most impactful research: $125 Cash and $1,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services
  • Top Poster from a Graduate Student: $100 Cash and $1,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services
  • Top Poster from a Junior Scientist: $100 Cash and $1,000 Zymo Research Reagents/Services

Abstract Submission Instructions

1. Describe your research in 300 words or less (not including Title or Keywords), using the following typical Abstract components:

  • Title: Keep it short
  • Introduction: The study's goal and background
  • Methods: The study's basic design
  • Results: A summary of the major findings
  • Discussion: Interpretations, conclusions, broader implications, and future research
  • Keywords: Please provide 3-5 keywords or brief phrases to describe the research

Tips:

  • Be concise
  • Be complete: Cover the major parts of the project.
  • Be clear: Use clear language and avoid excessive jargon.
  • Consider your audience: Consider that some of the UCSF researchers reading your abstract might not be experts in your specific area.
  • Address the Review Criteria: Don't forget to address the following review criteria in your submission.
    • Originality & Innovation
    • Impact Potential
    • Feasibility
    • Relevance to Field
    • Disruptive Potential

2. Submit your Abstract here [email protected]

The content of your Abstract and BioFestival discussions will be handled as Confidential in accordance with a CDA between UCSF and Zymo Research.

Direct questions or issues to Gretchen Kiser at [email protected].

About Zymo Research

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.