Annual Beckman Symposium

The Beckman Symposium is an annual event where Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation program awardees present their newest research findings as poster or oral presentations. Attendees are given opportunities to network, learn about a broad range of research topics from their peers, and discuss career tips with invited experts from academia, industry, and medicine.

The agenda is being carefully composed to feature content that showcases our national and local Program Awardees, Instrumentation Grantees, along with a research poster hall and networking opportunities.

To all attendees: The Beckman Symposium was developed to promote sharing of scientific knowledge and to foster collaboration. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for Symposium guests. All participants are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct when spending time with other Foundation awardees, colleagues in your field, distinguished scientists from across the United States, and other guests of the Foundation (both online and in-person). The guidelines are intended to ensure that all participants have a pleasant and productive event, free from disruptions.

We hope you enjoy the 2023 Beckman Symposium!

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants, guests, and Foundation staff at our offices and sponsored events, both in-person and virtual. All participants, including but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, Foundation staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct. As a participant at the Foundation’s event, you will be spending time with other Foundation awardees, colleagues in your field, distinguished scientists from across the United States, and other guests of the Foundation. The guidelines are intended to ensure that all participants have a pleasant and productive event, free from disruptions.

• Preview the combined Code of Conduct and Liability Waiver here. Each attendee will be asked to read and agree to the document during registration.

Awardees are asked to participate in poster presentations at the 2023 Beckman Symposium. An info request and instructions will be issued via email to attendees who will be presenting research posters.

Poster presentations will take place in two sessions. Dates and times, as well as a list of poster presenters, will be posted here prior to the event.

Attention Beckman Scholars attending Symposium for the FIRST time: You will not be presenting a poster at this Symposium. When you return to Symposium for the second time, you will prepare and present your poster.

Attention OC Beckman Legacy Awardees attending Symposium: You have the option of preparing and presenting a poster at Symposium. You will be part of Group 2.

What guidelines should I follow for preparing my Research Poster?

You must complete the Poster Info Form and submit it to [email protected] by the deadline shown below; an email will be issued to each presenter. Prepare a 4’x4’ square (48 inches x 48 inches) research poster, printed in advance of the event either on paper or fabric. All posters should include the presenter’s name, research title, institution and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation logo.

• May 25 – Poster Info Due for Group 1
• June 20 – Poster Info Due for Group 2

How do Poster Presentations work?

The poster presenter will set up their poster upon arrival at Symposium. Push pins will be available in the poster hall, along with a printed list of number assignments which indicate the easel location for each poster. Presenters should be present in the hall, near their poster, during their assigned date and time to make their presentations. At the conclusion of both poster sessions, presenters must remove their posters by 9pm Pac Time. Any posters remaining after this time will undergo disposal; the Foundation does not hold nor ship posters.

We look forward to your poster presentation at the 2023 Beckman Symposium!

Following are presentation preparation instructions for all speakers/sessions. Please scroll to locate your session and read the guidance on preparing for your presentation. If you would like to include the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation logo in your presentation, it can be accessed here.

Note: All slideshow presentations must be submitted by July 12 (firm).

Keynote Presentation Speaker (Invited Speaker):

• Be prepared to give a 45-minute technical presentation on your research and share about how the BYI award influenced your research and/or career and advice for those just starting on their journey and establishing their own new labs.
• Slides are optional but encouraged.
• If using slides, your PowerPoint presentation and a PDF copy must be emailed to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, July 12 (firm).
  • No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
  • No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted.
  • Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team, no personal laptops.

Plenary Sessions Speakers (Bio/Chem Talks from Selected BYIs, AOB Postdocs, and BSPs):

• Be prepared to give a 10-minute (max.) presentation of your research; with up to 3 minutes of Q+A to follow.
• Structure your talk for a general audience and avoid jargon and use of acronyms without explanation.
• Your PowerPoint presentation and a PDF copy must be emailed to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, July 12 (firm).
  • All work on the slides must be original to the awardee and cannot be generated by a professional. Images must be properly attributed.
  • No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
  • No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted. Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team, no personal laptops.
• Presentation order, date, and session location will be announced ahead of the event.

Beckman Briefings Speakers (2020 AOB Postdocs):

• Be prepared to give a 3-minute presentation including your name, institution, explanation of your research and findings, and its significance.
• This speech will be delivered to an audience of your fellow postdocs and should be geared to be easily understood by everyone, regardless of their specific science background. Avoid using jargon or acronyms.
• Prepare your PowerPoint presentation with a maximum of three slides, not including a title slide. The PowerPoint and a PDF copy of the presentation must be emailed to [email protected] by Wednesday, July 12 (firm).
  • All work on the slides must be original to the awardee and cannot be generated by a professional. Images must be properly attributed.
  • No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
  • No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted.
  • Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team, no personal laptops.
• The order of presentations will be alphabetical, based on last name.

Career Trajectory Panelists (Invited Speakers from Academia, Industry, and Medicine):

• Be prepared to give a 15-minute presentation referencing your own academic and professional journeys followed by a joint 30-minute Q+A panel discussion.
• Slides are optional but encouraged.
• Presentation points may include details about your academic matriculation, academic/professional background, and any connection to the Foundation, as well as helpful tips and insight you discovered along the way.
• The Career Trajectory Panel will be offered to our Beckman Scholars (undergraduate researchers) and OC Beckman Legacy Awardees (recently graduated from high school).
• If using slides, your PowerPoint presentation and a PDF copy must be emailed to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, July 12 (firm).
  • No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
  • No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted.
  • Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team, no personal laptops.

Matriculating through Academia Panelists (Invited Speakers):

• Be prepared to give a 15-minute presentation followed by a joint 30-minute Q+A panel discussion.
• Slides are optional but encouraged.
• Presentation points may include details about your academic matriculation and academic/professional background, and helpful tips and insight you discovered along the way.
• If using slides, your PowerPoint presentation and a PDF copy must be emailed to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, July 12 (firm).
  • No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
  • No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted.
  • Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team, no personal laptops.

Lab Culture and Mentorship Panelists (Invited Speakers):

• Be prepared to give a 20-minute presentation with slides followed by a joint 30-minute Q+A panel discussion.
• Topics will include effective mentorship, prioritizing mental health, and inclusion and equity in the lab.
• Your PowerPoint presentation and a PDF copy must be emailed to [email protected] no later than Wednesday, July 12 (firm).
  • No Prezi or other presentation formats will be permitted.
  • No edits can be made after the presentation is submitted.
  • Presentations will be provided to the venue’s AV team, no personal laptops.

BSP Mentor Roundtable Session Leader(s):

• You do not need to submit slides. The Foundation is preparing materials for your session.

Communicating with PIs Session Leader(s):

• You do not need to submit slides. The Foundation is preparing materials for your session.

We are currently working on our event agenda; check back periodically for updates.

The finalized event agenda will be contained within the 2023 Beckman Symposium Program pdf and will be emailed to all registered attendees on July 27, in addition to being posted here.

NOTE: All times listed in the program will be Pacific Time.

Q: When does the 2023 Beckman Symposium officially start? Is there a virtual component?

A: Event check-in will be August 3, 2023, and the Symposium program begins same-day. This year’s event is in-person and does not include a virtual component.

Q: How can I get started early with registration and other details?

A: Please wait to receive the registration invite and instructions via email. Early registration and travel booking is not available and each group will be assigned to a registration window.

Q: How do I know if I'm part of Group 1 or Group 2 for registration and posters?

A: The Symposium Coordinator(s) will send an instructional email that identifies the group you are part of; please wait for this email. If you have been selected as an awardee during calendar year 2023, reporting info from your institution may be due in mid- to late-May based on our deadlines, which would place you into Group 2. There is no dis/advantage to being in either group; all invited guests will be able to register.

Q: Who can I contact to have an instruction email re-sent?

A: Email the Symposium Coordinator(s) at [email protected] to make this request.

Q: Can I see an agenda or event program?

A: Yes! The finalized agenda will be contained within the 2023 Beckman Symposium Program pdf and will be available in the accordion tab above this one on July 27 at noon Pac Time. It will be emailed to all registered attendees and can also be accessed in our event app, Whova.

Q: If I have trouble navigating the space, can I get help?

A: Yes! Please come to the Registration table for help. This is the same table where you initially checked-in for the event. A member of our staff can assist you in finding the meeting space(s).

Q: I'm giving a presentation; will there be someone to help with my slides or questions?

A: Yes! A member of our staff will be with you in the meeting space ahead of your presentation session. This is when an AV test can be done to make sure your slides are working as intended. Also, a moderator will introduce your presentation and assist with any Q+A.

Q: If I'm viewing a poster and want to reach out to the author, how can I do that?

A: You have a couple of options: 1) Attend the scheduled, interactive Poster Sessions, 2) Connect with them through our event app, Whova.

Q: Can I preview a list of posters before entering the poster hall?

A: Yes! The Event Program pdf will be available at the registration table, on the Whova event app, and on our website. It includes all of the poster abstracts. The Poster Program and Day 1/Day 2 Presenters lists are also available.

Q: What can I expect as a participant in this event?

A: Expect a combination of oral and poster presentations, topic- and program-specific breakout sessions, and some networking opportunities – along with games, food, and other fun.

Q: When does the 2023 Beckman Symposium end?

A: Our final session takes place on August 5. During registration, attendees will choose to check-out on August 5 at the conclusion of Symposium or check-out the following day.

Q: I attended the Beckman Symposium and received a post-event survey for feedback; how long do I have to complete this?

A: The survey will be active for 2 weeks. Please provide your feedback as early as possible; the survey has been designed so that it can be completed in less than two minutes. Thanks for your feedback!