SURF 2025, hosted by the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, in the University Center (UC) Ballroom. The SURF website is currently being updated with instructions. SURF will include 2-3 poster sessions, depending on the number of student presenters and Lightning Round Oral Talks. Please share this information with the faculty and undergraduates conducting research in your departments.
In prior years, the SURF Team has been tasked with returning abstracts that were not formatted properly. We are asking that the research mentors, or a designated person in your lab, be responsible for reviewing the abstracts prior to submission. This will alleviate the SURF Organizational Team from sending abstracts back to the mentor and student, and will speed the process of adding the abstract to the SURF website.
To assist with preparation for SURF, we will host several workshops prior to SURF. All presenting students are encouraged to attend these workshops:
- How to Write an Abstract, Thursday, June 26, 2025, 1-2 pm, The Learning Collaboratory, University Center, Rm. 115. SURF 2025 Sample Abstract
- Virtual How to Create a Scientific Poster in Canva Workshop, Thursday, July 10, 2025, online, 12-1 pm.
- Research Poster Support Office Hours with Research Graphics, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 2-3 pm, The Learning Collaboratory, University Center, Rm. 115.
- Lightning Round Oral Talk Rehearsals
- Rehearsal 1 (optional, strongly encouraged): Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 9-11 am, The Learning Collaboratory, University Center, Rm. 115.
- Rehearsal 2 (mandatory): Monday, August 4, 2025, 1-3 pm, Location TBD.
- Lightning Round Oral Talk will be held in MEYER 030 (Chemistry Building, Lecture Hall ll)
- Poster Presentation Practice Sessions, Tuesday, August 5, 2025, University Center Ballroom (UC 301)
- Two sessions, 12-1:30 pm and 2-3:30 pm
- During the week of July 21st, presenters will receive an email at the address they entered on their Abstract Submission form with additional information about the session and a sign-up link.
- SURF 2025 Poster Template w Tips
Students may also register to attend the workshops above. Registration is encouraged, but not mandatory.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
- Submission deadline for abstracts: Friday, July 18, 2025, 11:59pm
- Deadline to submit posters for printing by UMBC Research Graphics is July 30, 2025 at 5 pm
Abstract Submission Form Abstract Requirements and Templates 2025
Please check the SURF website for updates at https://surf.umbc.edu
SURF Organizational Team
The College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
UMBC
http://surf.umbc.edu/