The 2026 Grad Slam Competition
UC Santa Barbara graduate students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to celebrate graduate student research at the 2026 Grad Slam, presented by Yardi.
Graduate students can sign up to present their 3-minute research talk at one of six divisional preliminary rounds designed to showcase the diversity of disciplines at UCSB. Registration for the competition starts January 5, with the final deadline on February 6.
“Grad Slam challenges our graduate students to distill their research into a powerful three-minute story—an exercise that strengthens communication skills and confidence across any field,” said Dr. Janine Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Affairs and the Anne and Michael Towbes Graduate Dean. “Beyond the prestige of competing among the UC’s brightest scholars, participants build networks that span disciplines and open new doors for collaboration and discovery.”
All graduate students can also sign up for the concurrent Public Speaking Certificate Series workshops to learn how to craft the perfect elevator pitch, design effective presentation slides, develop stage presence, and other important professional communication guidelines.
“Grad Slam reflects what our professional development mission is all about, giving graduate students the tools, confidence, and support they need to shine,” said Anna Theogarajan, Director of Graduate Professional Development. “I’ve seen firsthand that when students find their voice, it creates a ripple effect, opening new paths for themselves, inspiring others, and making a meaningful impact in their communities and fields. Whether you’re stepping on stage or joining our Public Speaking Certificate workshops, you’ll build practical communication skills & confidence that you’ll carry with you into any career.”
Six preliminary rounds will be held in the Student Resource Building Multipurpose Room on Fridays, February 20th through March 6th. A “Second Chance Round” on March 13 offers preliminary runners-up another opportunity to advance and secure a spot as the 7th finalist in the Grad Slam Final Round.
The 2026 Final Round, hosted by Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Affairs and Anne and Michael Towbes Graduate Dean Janine M. Jones, will be on Thursday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m. in Campbell Hall.
Preliminary round winners will each receive a $500 prize and represent their disciplinary group in the Final Round. Finalists will then compete for additional cash prizes, including a $5,000 Grand Prize and the opportunity to represent UCSB in the system-wide competition at the UC Center Sacramento. Audience members will also have the chance to participate by voting for their favorite presenter in the People’s Choice category, with the winner receiving a $1,000 award.
The Graduate Division thanks our community partners for continuing to support graduate student research at UC Santa Barbara. "Yardi has always been a proud champion of UCSB, and we are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Grad Slam competition," said Arnold Brier, who serves as Senior Vice President at the company. "We look forward to seeing the groundbreaking ideas this year's participants bring to the stage."
Along with Yardi as Presenting Sponsor, Champion Sponsors Lopker Family Foundation as well as Dr. Carrie Towbes and Dr. .John Lewis have been long-time supporters of the competition. The Sten Family Foundation joins the Santa Barbara Independent as Medal Sponsors this year.
For questions about the Grad Slam competition, please contact Anna Theogarajan, the Director of Professional Development for the UCSB Graduate Division.
About the 2026 Grad Slam Competition
Graphics, script, and video editing by Marge Perko | Narration by Jayline Naranjo Lagunas