Annual SOM Graduate Student Research Symposium Gets a Fresh, Green Flare This Fall
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s largest student-run research extravaganza (formerly the BGSA Symposium) returns for the 30th time on October 1, 2025. At this year’s edition of the GSR symposium students will be able to fully own their presentation journey in a student organized symposium for students:
Independently submitting abstracts, competing in poster sessions, and presenting in talk sessions.
A blinded peer-review process, paired with expert feedback from Pitt faculty leaders, will aid sharpen the submissions and mirror the standards of national and international scientific conferences.
A green event embracing Pitt’s sustainability policy
Sponsored by the Dean, School of Medicine, this event is organized annually by the Biomedical Graduate Student Association (BGSA). The 30th SOMGSRS will be held at The Assembly Building (5051 Centre Avenue) and is hosted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and organized this year by the Computational Biology Ph.D. Program (CPCB) and the Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology Ph.D. Program (MBSB).
Blue + Gold = Green :
we are committed to our future
This year’s symposium takes a steady step toward sustainability, aiming to make the symposium a Green Event with zero-waste catering, sustainable Service-ware, and food-waste reduction strategies. Organizers hope to weave environmental responsibility into the very fabric of Pitt’s research culture.
Additionally, students will also fully own their presentation journey—independently submitting abstracts, competing in poster sessions, and presenting in talk sessions. A blinded peer-review process, paired with expert feedback from Pitt faculty leaders, will aid sharpen the submissions and mirror the standards of national and international scientific conferences.
Why It Matters
The symposium is more than an event—it’s a launchpad for nation’s young emerging research scientists, offering:
A stage for 600+ students from 12 PhD , 5 MD, and 5 certificate programs to share groundbreaking work.
Recognition through prestigious awards celebrating research, mentorship, and community impact.
Networking with peers, faculty, and distinguished guests.
Past symposium awardees have gone on to prestigious careers in research, academia, and leadership—many right here at Pitt. (Abby Overacre, Ph.D. - 2017, Stephen L. Phillips Scientific Achievement Award, now in Department of Immunology. Michelle L. Manni, PhD. - 2008, Most Well Rounded Student of the Year, now in Department of Pediatrics.)
Keywords: Pitt School of Medicine, Graduate Student Research Symposium, BGSA, student-led conference, biomedical research, Blue + Gold = Green, zero-waste event, BGSA Symposium, Daisuke Nakada Memorial, Stephen L Phillips, Steven Salzberg keynote, research awards, Pittsburgh science events, SOM GSO, interdisciplinary collaboration.
Event Highlights
Distinguished Symposium Speaker:
Dr. Steven Salzberg, internationally acclaimed leader in computational biology.
Awards:
Biomedical Image of the Year
Distinguished Mentor of the Year
Most Well-Rounded Student of the Year
Best Research Paper – Stephen L. Phillips Scientific Achievement Award
Poster and Talk Awards across disciplines
Prizes:
Over $1,500 in cash awards, sponsored by SOM Graduate Student Office (GSO).
Reception:
Live jazz, refreshments, and a celebratory networking experience.
How to Participate
Participation is open and encouraged for all the graduate students pursuing their Ph.D. in programs affiliated to the School of Medicines.
Click here to submit abstracts and award nominations now:
Click here for event details & updates:
Contact Us
Jasper Jeffrey
jaj207@pitt.edu
Swapnil Keshari
swk25@pitt.edu
Symposium Chairs, 30th SOM Graduate Student Research Symposium