Overview
If you have been participating in an independent research project, then the Undergraduate Research Paper Competition is for you. The competition is open to any IFTSA undergraduate member who has participated in original research, and who has not graduated by July 1 of the year prior to the competition.
Entrants are asked to submit a letter of intent to enter, an abstract describing the research (500 words or less), and a verification letter from the Food Science Department Head. Six finalists will be chosen to orally present their research at the IFT Annual Meeting in the summer. Each finalist will be given a $300 travel award. In addition, the top three finalists will be awarded prizes of $500, $350, and $250 at the Annual Meeting.
If you wish to enter, a letter of intent must be submitted to the URPC Chair by March 1. Four copies of the abstract and the verification letter from the Department Head must be sent to the URPC Chair by March 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where can I find the rules and procedures for the IFTSA Phi Tau Sigma Undergraduate Research Paper Competition?
A. The rules can be found at the following link: http://www.iftsa.org/competitions/urp/urpc-rules.pdf.
Q. Are these the most recently revised rules to follow for this year’s competition?
A. Yes. The rules for were last revised on 9/2005. If any changes are made to the rules, a newly revised version will be posted at the same link.
Q. Who is eligible to enter the competition?
A. Any student member of IFT, as of March 15th of the year of the competition, who is an undergraduate student or who has not graduated prior to July 1st of the year preceding the Annual Meeting.
Q. Why should I enter the competition?
A. It gives undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct research in the field of food science and to present their findings at the Annual Meeting. It is a great resume builder and promotes participation in the IFTSA.