Academic Showcase Competition TAM 2025 Austin

TAM ACADEMIC PROJECT SHOWCASE COMPETITION

1. About

2. Submission Guidelines

3. Important Dates

4. Submission Form

5. Guidelines for Abstract

6. Scoring Rubric

1.   ABOUT THE ACADEMIC SHOWCASE COMPETITION

For the TAM 2025 Annual Meeting in Austin, the Texas Association of Museums will host an Academic Project Showcase and Competition. The showcase will provide an opportunity for students to present their research contributions to the museum field before a state-wide audience of scholars and museum professionals. Accepted projects will be included in the TAM 2025 Annual Meeting programming, and presentations will be judged by a panel of museum experts at the conference. The Academic Projects highest-ranked in their respective categories will receive a TAM award and recognition at the conference. Students interested in presenting should submit short abstracts and support materials that align with one of the project categories listed on the submission form. Proposals from TAM student members in all colleges and campuses are welcome. Conference organizers are committed to establishing a diverse Academic Project Showcase that is reflective of the various TAM members and the communities they serve - submissions from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are highly encouraged. Winners will receive recognition at the Annual Meeting, in the TAM Newsletter, and on the TAM website.

2.  STEPS FOR SUBMITTING AN ABSTRACT 

Step 1. Complete a submission form including 250-word abstract, acknowledgement of faculty approval, and any necessary supporting documents or resources by February 7, 2025. Notification of project acceptance will be delivered in late February.

Step 2. If your project is accepted, register through your university for a full conference registration at the discounted student rate, or register for a complimentary day pass to the TAM Annual Meeting for the day of your presentation (information will be provided for this if you are selected). 

Submission Policies

There is a limit of 2 (two) submissions per student. Each submission must include acknowledgement of faculty approval (sponsor, mentor, museum, etc.) with completed application materials by February 7, 2025 to confirm the submission was created while the applicant was a student.

Eligibility

There is no fee for submission if you are a student in any academic program. Students who submit will receive one complimentary Student TAM Membership. More info on $25 Student Memberships here and Academic Memberships here. 

3.  IMPORTANT DATES 

October 2024 - Call for abstracts open 

February 7, 2025 - Call for abstracts closed 

February 7 - February 21, 2025 - Jury Review

Late February 2025 - Notification of Submission Acceptance to the Annual Meeting

April 6-9, 2025 - TAM 2025 Annual Meeting

Notifications: Email notifications of acceptance will be made in late February 2025. Students whose abstracts are accepted are invited to present at the TAM Annual Meeting in Austin. Detailed information will be provided when the conference schedule is released. 

4.  SUBMISSION FORM  

Complete a Submission Form here, including 250-word abstract, acknowledgement of faculty approval, and any necessary supporting documents or resources.

5.  GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACT  

See the Abstract Guidelines here.

6.  RUBRIC

See the Grading Rubric here.