FoundHer 3 Minute Spotlight

Now Accepting Applications

Applications to participate are now open and will close on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 5pm CST.
SPACE IS LIMITED.

Program Details

The FoundHer 3 Minute Spotlight is an exciting new opportunity for Northwestern research scientists interested in commercialization to level up their communication skills.

Inspired by the University of Queensland's Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, this program offers an opportunity for early-career women scientists to pitch a Northwestern innovation and its potential commercialization impact.

Current Northwestern PhD candidates, postdocs and research professors are invited to apply for one of eight spots by submitting an application across two broad tracks —Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. The application includes submission of a 5-minute recording that provides a personal introduction, description of their Northwestern technology, why they’re excited about it, and how they believe it could impact on society.

Selected participants will attend a series of winter workshops and coaching sessions to refine their presentation into a 3M Spotlight presentation. The Q has partnered with TGS' Research and Communication Training Program (RCTP) faculty who will be leading the workshops and coaching sessions.

The program will culminate in a showcase of the 8 participants giving their 3-Minute Spotlight pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of experts. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 presentations.

Key Dates

Application Open - Friday, November 15
Application Close - Friday, December 20 (5:00 PM CST)
Applicant Notifications: Monday, January 6
Workshop 1: Wednesday, January 15 | 9:00 - 11:00 AM (In-Person)
Workshop 2: Wednesday, January 22 | 9:00 - 11:00 AM (In-Person)
Workshop 3: Wednesday, January 29 | 9:00 - 11:00 AM (In-Person)
Showcase & Competition: Wednesday, March 5 | Time TBD (In-Person)

* Coaching sessions will be scheduled based on coach and participant schedules.

Eligibility

Must be enrolled in a Northwestern PhD or MS program OR be employed as a post-doc or non-tenured track faculty

Must present a Northwestern technology in either the life or physical sciences. Technology with filed patents is preferred.

Must have faculty approval to represent the technology

Must be available to participate in workshops, coaching sessions, and showcase.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top three presenters at the FoundHer 3-Minute Spotlight Showcase. Prizes include executive coaching, professional headshots and a modest cash prize.

Questions

If you have any questions, please email inqbationlab@northwestern.edu. To receive information and updates about other Q programs, please complete this form.

RCTP Partners & Workshop Facilitators

This inaugural initiative is a collaboration between the Querrey InQbation Lab (The Q) and TGS’s Research Communication Training Program (RCTP).


Beth Bennett Assistant Professor Medill School of Journalism	Byron Stewart Adjunct Lecturer McCormick School of Engineering	Kiki Zissimopoulos RCTP Instructional Coordinator Associate Professor of Instruction McCormick School of Engineering

The Research Communication Training Program (RCTP) is open to all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of The Graduate School and is held each Spring Quarter. An information session to learn more about this program will be held on January 15, 2025. Please visit the RCTP website for more information.