What is QPC?
The OUR Quick Pitch Challenge (QPC) is a communication competition that challenges undergraduate students to present their research or creative work to a general audience in three minutes. Participants from all majors and areas of study are invited to showcase their work on campus. Clear communication is key in professional settings, and you can also compete for prizes!
Eligibility: Participants must be enrolled at the University of Iowa as undergraduate students and collaborate with a faculty member.
How to Join QPC
Participation
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 27th, 2026 by 11:59 pm CT
2026 QPC Timeline
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 27th, 2026 by 11:59pm CT
Event Date: April 2nd, 2026 4:30-6:00pm
More information to be posted soon about information seminars and practice sessions!
Judging Criteria
Engagement & Communication
- Did the presenter make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their work on campus?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their campus work?
- Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
- Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
Comprehensive & Content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research or creative work being addressed and its significance?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a sequence or story path?
- Were the presentation materials communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
- Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Congratulations to the 2025 Quick Pitch Challenge Winners!
1st Place: Klaertje Hesselink
2nd Place Jessica Miller
