Manitoba Materials Conference

Manitoba Materials Conference 2026 will be held on May 5, 2026 from 8:30am to 7:00pm. Submitted registration forms will be collected and organized by Jolly Hipolito.

This information will be used to create unique name badges, poster abstract booklets and for catering arrangements. Registration for attendance and registration for poster presentation will be found on the same form, however the poster presentation registration section will only appear if you indicate that you will participate in the poster presentation competition.

Complete your registration form

Registration deadline is April 24, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Visa requests

Individuals wanting to attend and participate in this years conference but needing to apply for a visa may request confirmation letters of registering to attend and/or confirmation letters of participation in the research poster competition can contact Jolly Hipolito.

Research Abstract Information and Digital Abstract

Research posters should have relevance to at least one of the following categories:

• Composite Materials: Metallurgical, Non-metallic, Structural, and Sustainable
• Quantum and Extreme Materials: Discovery Science and Sensors
• Materials that Mimic Biology and/or Support Natural Systems Under Environmental Stress
• Energy Harnessing and Storage

Please note that there are a limited number of poster boards available.

This year, we will be using 4' by 8' tack poster boards. Expect two posters to share one poster board. Please abide by the dimensions below.

Criteria

• Maximum width: 46 inches (3.8 feet).
• Maximum height: 46 inches (3.8 feet).
• Two posters will share one poster board.
• Stay within these dimensions so that both posters can fit with no overlapping.
• Four tacks are provided to stick your poster on the board, however if your poster is considerably heavy please bring some extra tacks for yourself.

Content

• Posters should include information done in the last year.

Judging

Posters will be reviewed by multiple judges. First round of judging will include a silent and discreet walk around by the judges (no verbal presentation required). During this round, judges will rank each poster and that will generate a shortlist for a second round of judging. In the second round of judging, the shortlisted poster owners will be asked to give a 3 minute presentation to the judges. The time limit is strictly applied. During this round, each poster will be scored in three categories:

• Presentation: effectiveness of visual and verbal communication
• Clarity: Method and impact of work
• Quality: Control/reproducibility of results

The best posters and their owners will be invited to present (regardless of category) to compete for a cash prize. In the spirit of recent popular thesis presentation by the University of Manitoba's 3MT® and Ph.D. Comic's 2 Minute Thesis Contest, the participants will be given 3 minutes to present their poster to the entire conference and independent judging panel. The presentation will take place with the poster projected onto the lecture theatre screen. The time limit is strictly enforced.

Come prepared and bring your poster in a printed format as well as electronic format (ie: USB). Please note there are a limited number of poster boards available.

Submission

Submitting your poster abstract can be done through the same registration link and by indicating "yes" to participating in the poster presentation competition. Complete the registration when you are ready to submit your abstract poster so that double registrations can be minimized.

This information will be sent directly to Jolly Hipolito. Submission should be compatible on any web browser, and therefore no problems should occur. However, please contact Jolly Hipolito if you have any questions or concerns. An abstract booklet will be created of all poster presentation applicants.

If you do not wish to participate in the poster presentation competition, and only want to attend the conference, please indicate "no" to participating in the poster presentation competition of the registration form. Subsequently, the poster registration section will not appear for you in your registration form.

Science as Art: Microscopy Image Competition

The MSC Central Student Chapter is thrilled to partner with Manitoba Materials Conference (MMC) to host a microscopy image competition showcasing stunning and creative images taken through various microscopical imaging techniques, including compound microscopy, electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, etc. The competition is focused on the artistic aesthetic of the images, providing an opportunity for participants to showcase their artistic skills and creativity.

A panel of expert judges will evaluate the images, and the winning entries will be recognized and displayed at the Manitoba Materials Conference, providing a valuable platform for participants to share their work and connect with other microscopy enthusiasts. The top two arts will get cash prizes.

Submission deadline: April 24, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Prizes

1st place: $200

2nd place: $100

The winning arts will be also displayed digitally on our MSC Central Student Chapter social media platforms.

Criteria

When judging the submitted images for the microscopy image competition, the following will be taken into consideration:

Artistic Aesthetics: The images will be evaluated on their visual appeal and creativity in composition. The Images that are visually striking, creatively composed, and display a unique artistic style will be given preference over those that are simply scientifically accurate.

Technical Excellence: The images will be evaluated for their technical quality, including focus, exposure, color balance, and image resolution.

Originality: The images will be evaluated on their level of originality, including the uniqueness of the subject matter, the composition, and the overall artistic approach.

Eligibility and Contest Rules

• To participate in the competition, you must be registered for the Manitoba Materials Conference this year and you must attend this event.
• Participants can only submit ONE piece of art.
• The arts must be in JPEG, PNG, PSD, or TIFF format at the highest resolution possible (minimum 300 dpi). The aspect ratio is open.
• The submitted image should be less than 5 MB in size.
• The art must be sent with a title, a brief description of the original micrograph (e.g. sample/specimen, microscopy technique used), author(s) names, affiliation, and the laboratory name.
• You can only submit your own art.
• The arts that have won any other photomicrography competitions are NOT eligible.
• The images must be sent on or before the deadline.
• The winners will be announced and awarded at the Manitoba Materials Conference this year.

Winners of the 2023 Microscopy Image Competition
Image below is the original.

Show Caption

Image below is edited.

Show Caption

Image below is the original.

Show Caption

Image below is edited.

Show Caption

Submission

Questions or concerns as well as submitting your art along with a brief description can be done so via email to the MSC Central Student Chapter: msc.smc.central@gmail.com.