Your Grandpa, neighbor, or nephew asks you “What do you study? Why does it matter?” What would your response be in 3 minutes or less with no slides to demonstrate or explain (Props are acceptable)? ‘What we do’ and ‘how we communicate it’ does matter.
The Grandpa Challenge final chance submissions due is Friday, October 16, 2026.
II Trainees (this challenge is open to all levels – undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral fellow) submit briefly, in 1 sentence, the lay version of what you study, to compete at the 2026 Immunology Symposium on October 22, 2026. Entries will be reviewed based on diversity of topics and we will confirm participation with selected applicants. At the Immunology Symposium, the audience will vote for the best explanation and the winner will receive $150 cash prize.
Entry form is below. Final application deadline is October 16, 2026. You must also send your 1 slide to Nicholas Jackson at njackso7@uab.edu along with your application to be considered.
Application
If you do not receive a confirmation email after submission, please send your application directly to Nicholas Jackson at njackso7@uab.edu along with your 1 slide and list of props. Thank you.