N.C. PSI BRIDGE Symposium
At the annual BRIDGE Symposium, graduate students and postdocs discuss creative bridges across disciplines that could lead to improvements in the economy, environment and people’s lives.
The N.C. PSI BRIDGE (“Bringing together Research Ideas for Greater Extension”) Symposium, held each spring, features presentations from teams of graduate students and postdocs that have built collaborative bridges across disciplines to offer innovative solutions to improve the economy, environment and people’s lives. Directly following the Symposium presentations, all participants and attendees are invited to participating in a networking session with industry judges.
Demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, the goals of this symposium are to showcase the outstanding quality and diversity of research at NC State, to encourage students to think outside the box in terms of who they could work with, and to think more broadly about the applicability of their research.
Real-World Impact
The BRIDGE Symposium is a catalyst for students to transform their ideas into reality and develop innovative solutions that cross disciplines.
Networking Opportunities
Participants can connect with industry professionals during the event, as these experts are invited to both mentor and judge during the competition.
Prizes
If bragging rights are not enough, multiple prizes for winning teams in each presentation category are awarded at the end of the event.
Bridging Disciplines for Creative Solutions
2025 BRIDGE Symposium
The 2025 BRIDGE Symposium included TWO categories of presentations: Existing Collaborative Research and Theoretical Collaborative Research. Industry experts evaluated the presentations in both categories and awarded $4,800 in prize money to top teams in both categories.
Presentation Categories:
- Existing collaborative research – for students and postdocs from different disciplines who are currently collaborating will present on their active research project
- Theoretical collaborative research – for students and postdocs from different disciplines who are not currently collaborating on research; each presenter explains their own research and propose how they could potentially collaborate on a research project.
Presentation Format:
Each team had six (6) minutes to explain their individual research, how they could/are collaborating across disciplines, and how this connection might translate to the needs of growers and those who work in Extension.
- 2 minutes: 1st researcher presents their research
- 2 minutes: 2nd researcher presents their research
- 2 minutes: BRIDGE! How does your research connect?
2025 Symposium Agenda
| 2:00 p.m. | Welcome |
| 2:05 p.m. | Applied Team Presentations |
| 2:25 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30 p.m. | Applied & Theoretical Team Presentations |
| 3:00 p.m. | Break |
| 3:05 p.m. | Theoretical Team Presentations |
| 3:30 p.m. | Networking & Research Conversations |
| 4:00 p.m. | Winning Teams Announced |
| 5:00 p.m. | Networking Event Ends |
Application Process
To participate in the N.C. PSI BRIDGE Symposium, you must identify a co-presenter working in a different discipline and complete the application form by the application date. You must have a presentation partner to apply.
In January, selected teams will be required to attend a practice presentation and feedback session. Details and dates for the practice presentations will be communicated upon notification of selection to participate in the Symposium.
2025 BRIDGE Symposium applications are closed. Check back soon for 2026 applications!
FAQs
Who can participate in the N.C. PSI BRIDGE Symposium?
The N.C. PSI Bridge Symposium is open to all current NC State graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Individuals representing all majors and interests are encouraged to apply for the N.C. PSI Bridge Symposium.
Can I still attend the BRIDGE Networking Event if I am not presenting?
YES! Everyone is welcome to come and participate in the Networking Event following presentations. We also hope you will come to support the teams presenting at the N.C. PSI BRIDGE Symposium!
Can I present if my project is not finished?
Yes, projects and collaborations at any stage (even the beginning) are welcome!
I want to apply but I do not have a partner, what should I do?
Ask your class/lab mates if they know of someone! Meet someone new! Attend social events on campus! Although symposium organizers cannot help you identify a presentation partner, you do not have to be currently collaborating with someone to apply to present. The theoretical collaborative research presentation category is specifically for students and postdocs from different disciplines who are not currently collaborating on research. Presentations in this category focus on how you could potentially collaborate on a research project based on your respective areas of expertise
Bridging Disciplines, Generating Solutions
