Collegiate Research Showcase

In 2026 REWI is piloting a Collegiate Research Showcase. This year, we’re launching a solar-wildlife-focused showcase that will elevate emerging researchers and future leaders who, through science and collaboration, will discover new insights about the ecological interactions within and adjacent to solar developments and find solutions to challenges. The event will follow a live, focused, research-presentation format, giving students selected through a rigorous application process the opportunity to present their solar‑wildlife & ecosystems research to a panel of judges representing REWI’s Research Team, Partners and Friends, and collaborators, including public agencies and other organizations.

The goals of this initiative are to:

• Highlight innovative student research in solar‑wildlife and solar‑ecosystem science
• Strengthen REWI’s engagement with student and early‑career researchers
• Maintain visibility and community connection during SWERM off‑years
• Build a pipeline of future SWERM contributors and raise awareness of the meeting
• Offer students meaningful professional exposure and feedback

The event will culminate in a webinar in December 2026 or January 2027, with the first‑place winner receiving free registration to the 2027 SWERM.

REWI is seeking sponsorships to help make the Collegiate Research Showcase possible. Sponsorship funds will support webinar planning and cover the cost of free registration and a travel stipend for the winners to attend the 2027 SWERM. Sponsors will receive recognition across competition marketing, as well as other REWI communications and marketing channels.