April 7 - 9, 2026
Celebrating
our 14th event!
The Academic Research Conference (ARC) is a multidisciplinary, hybrid showcase of student scholarship and creative work. ARC recognizes that impactful inquiry emerges across fields, from the sciences and engineering to the arts, humanities, education, business, health, and professional studies, and provides a supportive venue to present, receive feedback, and build collaborations.
Celebrating our 14th Event!
The Academic Research Conference (ARC) is a multidisciplinary, hybrid showcase of student scholarship and creative work. ARC recognizes that impactful inquiry emerges across fields, from the sciences and engineering to the arts, humanities, education, business, health, and professional studies, and provides a supportive venue to present, receive feedback, and build collaborations.
ARC 2026 runs April 7–9, 2026, with free registration. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and other professional presenters are invited to share work in posters, oral talks, creative/performance pieces, and applied/community projects. A virtual poster hall and live-streamed sessions expand access for remote participants.
2026 Highlights
- Hands-on, career-focused AI workshop
- Career Fair & Networking events
- Mentorship Excellence Award and student presentation awards
- Virtual Poster Hall for asynchronous viewing
Key Dates
- Project Summary deadline: February 27, 2026
- Conference: April 7–9, 2026
ARC celebrates rigorous methods, clear communication, and inclusive participation. Join us to showcase your work, connect with peers and mentors, and advance ideas that matter.
We Are Proud
The Academic Research Conference’s impact grows each year!
Nominate a Mentor Who Made a Difference.
What's in it for students?
How to write a project summary:
Support the Academic Research Conference.
Event Schedule
Tue, Apr 7: Virtual presentations via Zoom
Wed, Apr 8: In-person presentations and Career Fair (UWA)
Thu, Apr 9: Keynote and AI Workshop (UWA)
Keynote Speaker
Jonathan Barlow is Associate Director of the Data Science Program and an Assistant Teaching Professor at Mississippi State University. Previously, Barlow was an associate director at NSPARC, a research center at Mississippi State University. Before joining Mississippi State in 2012, he worked for 15 years in the private sector. With a background in industry and university research, Barlow has more than 25 years of experience in software development, data modeling, data-intensive applications, and data analysis. Barlow received his Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. His data science research interests involve natural language processing and the ethics of artificial intelligence. He is passionate about connecting students with resources that allow for exploring the use of data to solve real-world problems in areas as diverse as sports, financial markets, the environment, sociology, and economics.
Awards
The ARC offers three awards for each undergraduate and graduate student presentation. The awards are given based on the merit of the work presented and the student’s presentation skills. A group of highly respected professionals evaluates student presentations according to a rubric. Students must present in person to be eligible for cash prizes.
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Testimonials
Past Presenter Experience
Dr. Mara DeLuca, UWA graduate and a Lecturer in Biomechanics at Brunel University London, UK
Past Presenter Experience
Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore, UWA graduate and Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Past Presenter Experience
Dr. Lingyan Kong | Associate Professor
Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management
The University of Alabama
As an avid participant in the University Research Symposium (now Academic Research Conference) at the University of West Alabama, our research group has had the honor and privilege of making our presence felt year after year. Every time, our students embark on a transformative journey. The symposium pushes them out of their comfort zones, challenging them to distill months, if not years, of rigorous research into concise, impactful presentations. These presentations are more than just a report of data and results; they’re a testament to the perseverance, creativity, and dedication that drives scientific exploration. As we look forward to attending in the years to come, we remain ever grateful for the lessons learned, the connections made, and the unwavering support of the UWA community.
Location
Poster session and Graduate School and Career Expo will be held at Hughes Gym located at 42 Pruitt Drive, Livingston, AL 35470
Keynote and oral talk will be held at Bell Conference Center located at 37 Webb Circle, Livingston, AL 35470
Sponsors
Hosts
1 College Dr.
UWA Station 7
Livingston, AL 35470