All ORS members in the Student or Post Graduate Trainee categories are eligible to apply for this competition that will be held at the Tendon Research Section Meeting, taking place Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

To Apply

Complete the online application form, including a 100-word abstract summarizing the work to be presented by March 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm Central Time.

Selected participants will be notified by Friday, March 13, 2026.

A single slide should be emailed by Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:00 pm Central Time to [email protected].

Competition Rules

  • A single, static PowerPoint slide (widescreen format, 16:9) is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide will be presented by the Tendon Section Moderator from the beginning of the oration.
  • Your slide does not need to include your name; the Tendon Section will create a slide that includes the finalist’s name, program, mentor, and presentation title. The Moderator will introduce the Investigator and the project title. Investigators should not add an additional introduction.
  • Ideally, your slide will enhance your presentation, but the slide is not the focus of the contest. Your oral presentation is the focus.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs).
  • Presentations are limited to 1 minute maximum and competitors exceeding 1.5 minutes will be disqualified. A warning will be given with 15 seconds remaining.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. The top three presentations will receive a certificate from the ORS office.

Judging Criteria

Finalists will be judged by a panel of at least 2 judges using the criteria listed below.

  • Were the research topic and its significance effectively communicated?
  • Did the oration capture the audience’s attention and make the audience want to know more?
  • Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?