FAQ

Who can apply?

AbGradCon2025 is intended for graduate students and early postdocs (within two years of graduating with a doctorate). Undergraduate students, faculty, and staff scientists are not eligible.

How will abstracts be selected? 

Abstracts will be evaluated in a double-blind review process on merit and quality of application materials.

When will decision be released?

Decisions for U.S.-based applicants are being released in the week of May 5, 2025. If you have not heard back by the end of the week, please promptly contact us at abgradcon@gmail.com. International applicants should have received decisions by mid-to-late April.

Do I have to submit an abstract to attend AbGradCon2025?

Yes. All participants must submit an abstract, and present it as an oral presentation or a poster. As AbGradCon is an event for graduate students and postdocs, it is a great opportunity for early-career researchers to give scientific presentations in a more relaxed, yet still formal setting.

Is this a hybrid meeting?

No. This year's AbGradCon will be fully in-person, but talks will be broadcast live on the NASA Astrobiology YouTube and recordings will be posted with the presenter's consent. 

What are the presentation formats? 

AbGradCon2025 is offering three presentation formats: Talks, Lightning Talks + Posters, & Posters.

• Talks are a 12+3 format: 12 minutes of presenting followed by 3 minutes of Q&A.

• Lightning Talks are a 4+0 format: 4 minutes of presenting; no Q&A.

• Posters should be 36 inches long and 48 inches wide, in horizontal/landscape mode.
  
  

What kind of talks and posters are we looking for? 

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field; therefore, to uphold the same standards, participants will be asked to submit abstracts under one of many broad categories: astronomy, physics, geology, biology, chemistry, education and outreach, philosophy of science, engineering and instrumental design, planetary sciences, science policy, and more.

Where is AbGradCon2025 held? 

AbGradCon2025 will be hosted at CU Boulder. The primary venue space is the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building (JSCBB) at 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Secondary venue spaces include Dairy Arts Center (at 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302) and The Rayback (at 2775 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO 80304).

How can I get to AbGradCon2025? 

Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 40 minutes from CU Boulder, and is the closest major airport. Participants arriving at DEN can take the Regional Transportation District Denver AB1 Bus to Boulder at $10 per trip.

Where does AbGradCon get its funding? 

Most of the funding for AbGradCon2025 comes from a grant from the NASA Astrobiology Program, with supplemental support from additional sources, including our sponsors listed on the home page.

Does AbGradCon fund its participants?

AbGradCon2025 strives to provide funding for all participants. This includes food, lodging, and travel. Applicants will receive details of their funding packages with their acceptance letters.

How do travel stipends work?

AbGradCon2025 will provide stipends to eligible U.S.-based participants and eligible international applicants. 

U.S.-based participants awarded a travel stipend will receive a flat dollar amount that the participant may use however they wish towards travel. Importantly, this will not be reimbursement-based. The participant will receive the full stipend amount after the conclusion of the conference.

International participants awarded a travel stipend will be connected with a staff member at CU Boulder or a private sponsor who will book and pay for the flights using AbGradCon2025 funds.

Can AbGradCon cover lodging outside of conference dates?

Unfortunately, AbGradCon2025 is unable to pay for or reimburse lodging outside of the conference dates. 

Can I get a proof of registration?

A proof of registration can be provided upon request only. Please email the team at abgradcon@gmail.com.