N.C. PSI BRIDGE Symposium
At the annual BRIDGE Symposium, graduate students 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 who 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 participate 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 and to encourage students to think creatively in terms of who they could work with and 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.
Grad Students Build Bridges for Agricultural Innovation
2027 BRIDGE Symposium
The 2027 BRIDGE Symposium will feature presentations from teams of 2 graduate students 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. Industry experts evaluated the presentations, and awards will be given to the top presentation teams.
Presentation Format:
Each team had 6 minutes to explain their individual research, how they could collaborate or 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?
2027 Symposium Agenda (2-5 p.m. February 11)
2 p.m. Welcome
2:05 p.m. Team Presentations
2:25 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Team Presentations
3 p.m. Break
3:05 p.m. Team Presentations
3:30 p.m. Networking and Research Conversations
4 p.m. Winning Teams Announced
5 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.
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. 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!
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.
