What is it?
The Core Center for Musculoskeletal Biology and Medicine (CCMBM) Young Investigator Slam Competition at UCSF challenges trainees to present a compelling presentation of their research in three minutes or less, using language that not only their peers but also non-specialists will understand. The purpose of this Slam is meant to incentivize trainees to clarify their ideas and to help others understand and appreciate the significance of their work.

Live Event
The CCMBM Young Investigator Slam Competition will be an in-person event that will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7:00 PM, at the Genentech Auditorium (Mission Bay Campus). This event is a celebration not only of the finalists and competition winners, but also to highlight trainees at UCSF and of scientific enquiry.

Prize
First Prize for the best slam talk is $300.

Judges
A panel of screening judges will review all entries via sign-up form. The judges will choose the finalists to compete in the live event. An additional panel of judges will choose the 1st prize winner at the live event. Presentations will be judged based on scientific impact and the quality and clarity of your presentation.

Who can Enter?
As of February 28, 2026, you must be a current graduate student in a PhD program, Postdoctoral scholar/fellow, or Resident at UCSF. UCSF alumni are not eligible. Your presentation must be based on your own, original research. Trainees who entered the contest, or who were finalists in previous years ARE eligible to enter again. However, the winner and runner-up of previous contests are not eligible to enter again.

Rules for Live Presentations

• Your presentation must be based on your own, original research.  
• You are allowed to use ONE slide to accompany your presentation. Your slide does not need to have your name on it. Your slide should enhance your presentation and not be the focus of your talk.
• No transitions or animations are allowed on the slide.
• No additional media, such as sound or video clips are permitted.
• No props (eg costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations will be in spoken word (not sung or otherwise performed).
• Presentations are limited to three minutes and must be presented live on April 14, 2026.

Application Materials
Please provide the following with your application:

One static PowerPoint slide (no transitions, animations, or media). Your slide should enhance your presentation, but it is not the focus of the talk.

A written elevator pitch or vision statement summarizing your research and its significance.

How Do I Enter?
Step 1: Review the contest rules, guidelines, judging criteria, eligibility, and other information in this FAQ. Check out some resources to help you craft an accessible 3-minute talk. Also, watch some of the past winning talks from live competitions.

Step 2: Sign up by March 16.
SIGN UP

Step 3: Attend the Slam Talk Training Session on March 23rd from 2-3pm. Register here.

When will I know if I am Chosen as a Finalist?
Finalists will be notified by April 1, 2026.
​

Jeffrey Lotz, PhD, UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery

Chelsea Bahney, PhD, UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery

Maggie Fung, PhD, GE Healthcare Systems

Gerard Slobogean, MD, MPH, UC Irvine Orthopaedic Surgery

Hassan Serhan, PhD, CarthroniX

Aenor Sawyer, MD, UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery & UCSF Innovation Ventures & Entrepreneurship Program

Shuvo Roy, PhD, UCSF Bioengineering & UCB/UCSF Master of Translational Medicine Program

Diana Laird, PhD, UCSF Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences & UCSF Ceiling Breakers