Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
High School  Symposium

Biotechnology and Biomedical Research High School Student Symposium

Symposium Agenda

Program Description

This symposium provides high school students an opportunity to explore biotechnology and biomedical research (no prior research experience required) or present their own research to peers. The symposium also features ASPIRATION students’ literature adaptation projects. The symposium also showcases ASPIRATION students' literature adaptation products and creativity. 

Registration:

All students are required to register for the symposium with parental consent. Students may register either as presenters with abstract submission or as attendees. Early registration guarantees a space, while late registration is based on availability.

Key dates and information

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9 - 4 PM
Location: University of Houston
All students are welcome.
Abstract submission is not required to participate in the symposium.
Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 25, 2026
Regular Registration Deadline: July 5, 2026
Late Breaking Deadline: July 15, 2026
Accepted abstract for presentations will be notified by July 25

Presenters:
1. Submit a scientific research abstract for consideration for an oral presentation, lightning talk, or poster presentation.
2. A final group ASPIRATION infographic completed and submitted through the ASPIRATION program. Selected infographic teams will give an oral presentation in a dedicated Infographic Presentation category.  

Please see more information for Research Abstract submission and briefly summarized below:
A scientific abstract is a self-contained summary of a research project of up to 300 words.

A structured abstract should include the following labeled sections:

• Introduction

• Methods

• Results

• Conclusion

New this year: We also welcome literature review abstracts. Literature review submissions are eligible for presentation at the symposium; however, priority for oral presentation selection will be given to original research abstracts.

Presentation Categories: please see instruction and examples for poster and PPT oral presentation preparation

Awards

• Research Oral Presentations and Infographic Oral Presentations will be judged as separate competition categories.

• Lightning Talks will be judged together as one competition category.

• Poster Presentations will be judged together as one competition category.

• Winners in each competition category will receive Award Certificates.

• All presenters who submit an abstract or ASPIRATION infographic and present at the symposium will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Attendees: Attend to learn and explore—no presentation required.