SMC Undergraduate Research Colloquium

Sign up to give a presentation, lightning talk, or poster about your research at the 2026 SMC Undergraduate Research Colloquium!

Have you researched a topic so fascinating that you can’t wait to share it with others? If so, St. Michael’s College wants to hear from you! All undergraduate students registered at St Michael’s College or taking courses in the four St. Mike’s programs are encouraged to submit a proposal to present their research.

Sign Up!

Sign up by Monday, December 15th at 11:59pm.

What’s the Colloquium?

The Colloquium is a research fair where students have an opportunity to share their work with their peers through presentations and poster displays.

Awards will be presented to the strongest posters and presentations. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all students who present at the Colloquium.

The Colloquium will take place in person at the John M. Kelly Library on March 5th and 6th, 2026.

Who can sign up?

  • Any undergraduate SMC student
  • Any undergraduate UofT student taking an SMC course (Book and Media Studies, Celtic Studies, Christianity and Culture, or Mediaeval Studies)

What kind of research is eligible?

  • Research project based on a course assignment, independent study, or a personal scholarly interest
  • Research in any academic discipline

What formats are available?

  • Option 1: Academic Poster: Design a large poster to visually display an overview of your research. During the Poster Session, you’ll stand near your poster and informally discuss your research one-to-one with any attendees who are interested. Your poster will remain on display throughout the day.
  • Option 2: Conference-Style Presentation: Present your research to a small audience. Slides are recommended. Presentations are 10 minutes long.
  • Option 3: Lightning Talk: Present your research findings or research in progress in this shorter format. Presentations are 3-5 minutes long. Limit yourself to 1 slide.
  • Option 4: Review Committee’s Choice: Not sure which format is best for your topic? The Review Committee can suggest a format for you!

Why should I participate?

  • Share your research with a community of emerging scholars. Gain practical experience presenting your work in academic venues.
  • Develop your resume or CV.
  • Receive a Certificate of Participation and be considered for an award.

How do I sign up?

  • Sign up by Monday, December 15th at 11:59pm.
  • The sign-up form will invite you to explain your research in some detail. We recommend reviewing the form first, drafting your responses, and then inputting your responses into the form as a final step.
  • Information you’ll be asked to provide includes:
    • Your name and academic information (e.g., year of study, major)
    • Which format you’re signing up for (e.g., poster)
    • Details about your research project (e.g., methods, findings)
    • If your project required a REB review, you’ll be asked to provide the name of your PI and your file number. Please discuss the Colloquium with your PI before signing up.
  • Please note that all submissions will be evaluated by the Colloquium Organizing Committee for eligibility, academic rigor, and appropriateness.

What support will be available to me after being accepted?

  • Workshops on best practices for presentations, lightning talks, and posters will be offered in the Winter term.
  • Guidelines and tips for participating will be posted on our website in the Winter term.
  • Free, professional poster printing and display for event day will be provided. Send us a PDF of your poster, and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Make an appointment at the SMC Writing & Research Help Centre to discuss the structure and presentation of your ideas with a writing instructor. https://uoft.me/writingcentres
  • Email us any time with questions.

When is the proposal deadline?

  • Monday, December 15th, 2025 at 11:59pm

When and where is the Colloquium happening?

  • Thursday and Friday, March 5th and 6th, 2026 from 2-6pm
  • In-person at the John M. Kelly Library

I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

  • Email us at reference.kellylibrary@utoronto.ca.

Previous Years

    News and Updates Mailing List

    Organizing Committee

    Irene Morra, Principal and Vice President, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto; Professor of English Literature, University of Toronto

    Francesco Morriello, Assistant Professor of Book and Media Studies, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

    Siobhan O’Flynn, Interim Director and Assistant Professor, Canadian Studies Program, University of Toronto

    Stacy Reardon, Instruction Librarian and Director, St. Michael’s College Writing and Research Help Centre, Kelly Library, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto; Instructor of Book and Media Studies, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

    Jean-Olivier Richard, Associate Professor, Christianity and Culture, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

    James Roussain, William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections, Kelly Library, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

    Sarah Stiller, Manager, Access and Information, Kelly Library, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

    Thank You

    The SMC Undergraduate Research Colloquium is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Kelly Library, the Kelly Library, and the University of St. Michael’s College Office of the Principal.