FRI Research Showcase – student registration
We’re excited to announce this year’s Forest Research Institute (FRI) Research Showcase, taking place from 25–27 November 2026 at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Centre (Sippy Downs).
What to expect
Wednesday 25 November - HDR Student Day *
- Morning: Student posters and presentations
- Afternoon: Professional development session
- Open to all students, including those outside the FRI
- Travel bursaries available (see below)
Thursday 26 November to Friday 27 November - FRI Research Showcase
- Research presentations
- Poster sessions + awards
- Networking lunches + evening event
* All FRI students are expected to present at this event.
We also welcome HDR students from UniSC and other universities, whose research aligns with FRI’s focus areas or in the general areas of forests, forestry or wood products.
All visiting students attending the Showcase are encouraged to present on Thursday 25 November 2026. Students who receive a travel bursary (only available for PhD / Masters students) are required to present and participate fully in the three-day event (HDR Student Day and FRI Research Showcase). Please note, the deadline to submit your EOI for a student travel bursary is Sunday 25 October.
Registration information
For FRI students
Cost: Free to attend.
If you are not based on the Sunshine Coast, you may request reasonable travel and accommodation through a travel requisition. Contact friadmin@usc.edu.au for assistance.
Student Day Presentation Requirements
All FRI students are strongly encouraged to participate fully in the three-day Showcase and are subject to the presentation requirements for Student Day.
- PhD students (2+ years): 10-minute oral presentation + poster
- PhD students (<2 years) and Research Masters: Poster only (entered in the poster competition)
Important deadlines:
- Submit the title of your presentation or poster by 11 November 2026
- Send your final poster (PDF) for us to print by 9 November 2026
Email these to FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au
For Non-FRI students requesting a travel bursary
Cost: Free to attend.
Non-FRI students undertaking a PhD or Research Masters can apply for a competitive travel bursary scholarship to contribute towards their travel and accommodation costs, as follows:
- If you live 50–300 km from UniSC Sunshine Coast: $500
- Over 300 km from UniSC Sunshine Coast: $1,000
To qualify, you must provide:
- Your residential address
- University of enrolment
- Supervisor’s name and email
How to Apply:
- Read the terms below
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Register: In the registration form, check the box: “This is a conditional registration based on receiving a travel bursary.”
- Wait for your email confirmation before you book your travel
- Prepare your presentation and / or poster
Terms and conditions for travel bursary
If you are past the 2-year mark in your PhD:
Email your EOI by Sunday 25 October 2026 to friadmin@usc.edu.au.
Include:
- Your thesis topic (must relate to forests/forestry/wood products)
- Details of where you are up to in your PhD
- Tell us (max 150 words) why you believe this event will be valuable for you
- A short outline of what your 10-minute presentation on Student Day will cover
and:
- Give a 10-minute presentation and provide a poster
- Attend all three days of the Showcase
- Submit the title of your presentation or poster by 11 November 2026
- Send your full poster (PDF) for us to print by 9 November 2026
Email these to FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au
If you are under the 2-year mark or in a Research Masters:
Email your EOI by Sunday 25 October 2026 to friadmin@usc.edu.au.
Include:
- Your thesis topic (must relate to forests/forestry/wood products)
- Details of where you are up to in your PhD
- Tell us (max 150 words) why you believe this event will be valuable for you
- A 100-word abstract for the poster you will present on Student Day
and:
- Provide a poster
- Attend all three days of the Showcase
- Submit the title of your poster by 11 November 2026
- Send your full poster (PDF) for us to print by 9 November 2026
Email these to FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au
For Non-FRI students who don't need a travel bursary
Cost: Free to attend.
How to Apply:
- Submit an expression of interest (EOI) to FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au by Sunday 25 October
- Include:
- Your thesis topic (must relate to forests / forestry / wood products)
- Details of where you are up to in your PhD / Masters / Honours
- Tell us (max 150 words) why you believe this event will be valuable for you
- If presenting*, outline briefly what your 10-minute presentation or poster (for the
Student Day) will be about
- Register
- While you are not required to present, all visiting students are strongly encouraged to participate fully in the three-day Showcase and present according to these requirements:
If you are past the 2-year mark in your PhD:
- Give a 10-minute presentation and provide a poster for Student Day
- Submit the title of your presentation or poster by 11 November 2026
- Send your full poster (PDF) for us to print by 9 November 2026
If you are under the 2-year mark or in a Research Masters / Honours:
- Provide a poster for Student Day
- Submit the title of your poster by 11 November 2026
- Send your full poster (PDF) for us to print by 9 November 2026
Email these to FRIAdmin@usc.edu.au
Student professional development workshop
All participating students are invited to join the professional development session:
Panel session on pathways after a PhD (academia vs industry). Life after PhD: Real stories, real paths.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at friadmin@usc.edu.au.
We look forward to seeing you there!