March 13, 2026
The art of the pitch: 91做厙輦⑹ Postdoc Research Slam showcases the power of research translation
The timer starts and the clock is ticking down. On stage, the finalists of the are challenged to condense years of specialized work into a three-minute presentation.
The Slam is more than just a competition it is an exercise in research translation, where postdoctoral scholars take their complex discoveries outside of academia and into language everyone can understand.
This year, the 91做厙輦⑹ saw an impressive 71 submissions, narrowed down to 12 finalists and ultimately five winners, says , BA'92, MEd'07, PhD'14, associate vice-president (research).
Our postdocs are such an important part of our research ecosystem here at UCalgary. We are very proud, Milaney says.
The Top 3 presentations
Three postdoctoral scholars took home the Top 3 honours at the Slam, each highlighting the value of communicating research beyond academic audiences.
, PhD, says the experience helped him translate his work for broader audiences while connecting with other researchers across campus. His presentation, "The Language of Scars: Rewriting our Bodys Healing Instruction," explored how to initiate the bodys healing process.
Top 3 winner Nicol獺s Collao (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) with Associate Vice-President (Research) Katrina Milaney.
David Moll
It was really enriching to speak about my research in a language where everyone can understand what we are doing in our laboratory, he says.
Participating in the Slam pushed PhD, outside her comfort zone. Her presentation, "Nanobubbles: Speed of Sound Metrology for Low-Energy Nanobubble Water Treatment," focused on improving water treatment technologies.
Top 3 winner Tina Fattahi (Faculty of Science) with Associate Vice-President (Research) Katrina Milaney.
David Moll
It doesnt matter if you stay in academia or go into industry, being able to explain your research to people who are not experts will help you a lot, she says.
Building connections with fellow postdocs stood out for PhD. His presentation, "Tiny natural defenders: Uncovering the oil-degrading potential of the Canadian Arctic microbiome," highlighted the role of Arctic microbes in environmental cleanup.
Top 3 winner Francisco Daniel Davila Aleman (Faculty of Science) with Associate Vice-President (Research) Katrina Milaney.
David Moll
I learned a lot and started new collaborations and friendships through this opportunity, he says.
Aleman encourages future participants to take part in the competition.
Just try it, he says. Youll have a lot of fun, meet new people and become part of a community.
Inaugural Transdisciplinary Award
The Slam also highlighted the growing role of transdisciplinary scholarship research that brings together multiple disciplines and works with the community to create real-world impact.
This years event introduced its very first Transdisciplinary Award.
It was great to see so many postdocs presenting impactful work, says , MSc'99, PhD, scientific director of the . Through transdisciplinary scholarship, postdocs shared how they were working across disciplines and also how they are working with community partners to really move their research to impact.
Most Transdisciplinary Presentation winner Brittany Lindsay (Faculty of Arts) with Associate Vice-President (Research) Katrina Milaney.
David Moll
, winner of the Most Transdisciplinary Award for her presentation, "From Taboo to Talked About: A Suicide Stigma Reduction Program for Postsecondary Students," says the award is meaningful.
Its very validating, but its not just my research, says Lindsay, BSc'16, BA'16, MSc'20, PhD'25. I have an advisory group, research assistants, and lived experts who help shape the program. Its really our work.
Peoples Choice Award
In addition to the judged awards, audience members also voted for the Peoples Choice Award.
Winner , PhD, explored the rise and dynamics of assisted reproductive technologies in her presentation, "Reimagining Parenthood: Assisted Reproduction and New Family Forms." She says the Slam reinforced the importance of making research accessible.
Peoples Choice winner Anna Bettini (Faculty of Arts) with Associate Vice-President (Research) Katrina Milaney.
David Moll
What were doing as researchers shouldnt stay in the academic sector, Bettini says. We need to make sure what we create is accessible for everybody, especially the communities we work with to make positive changes.
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