Collegiate Research Showcase

REWI invites graduate and Ph.D. students to share research that advances understanding of the ecological interactions among solar energy, wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. We also welcome work on community perspectives, engagement, and applied sciences connected to responsible solar development.

How to Apply

Click here to submit the following materials by May 29, 2026, 11:59 PM PT

• Student Information (Name, College/University, Major)
• Resume (one page)
• Presentation Title
• Presentation Abstract: Summarize the research you would present during the webinar, including objectives, methodology, key findings (250 words or less)

Applications should clearly convey your project’s purpose, relevance, and potential impact.

Who Can Apply: Graduate and Ph.D. students. Limit one application per student.

Group Eligibility: Projects with multiple authors are eligible to apply to the Showcase. Groups should be comprised of either all graduate or all Ph.D. students (i.e. no groups of Ph.D. and graduate students). Groups will be asked to select one (1) presenter for the public webinar. Only one first prize (2027 SWERM registration and travel stipend) will be awarded to a project, regardless of the number of authors.

Important Note  If REWI receives a high number of applicants, a second review round will be used to further refine the pool. Students selected to advance will be invited to submit a Letter of Intent (≤500 words), and REWI will notify all applicants of their advancement status.

Please reach out to info@rewi.org with questions.

Suggested Research Areas

Applicants may propose any solar‑wildlife, solar‑ecosystem, or adjacent topics. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Solar–wildlife interactions and ecological responses
• Solar farms as ecosystems: function, services, and co‑benefits
• Mitigation strategies for responsible solar buildout
• Water resources and solar development
• Climate change, solar energy, and wildlife futures
• Community perspectives, engagement, and applied science

Timeline

• May 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT: Applications due
• Summer 2026: Review Round 1. REWI will notify applicants of decisions
• September 2026: Review Round 2. Selected students invited to submit a Letter of Intent (≤500 words) // Review Round 2 will only occur if REWI receives a high volume of submissions.
• December 2026/January 2027: Finalists present their work in a public webinar

Why Participate?

• Real World Impact: Audience for REWI webinars are government, industry and NGO leaders, decision-makers and influencers guiding the renewable energy transition in the US.
• Professional Exposure: Present to leaders from REWI’s network.
• Expert Feedback: Receive direct feedback from active researchers and practitioners.
• Grand Prize: The top presentation(s) will receive complimentary registration, a featured speaking slot at the 2027 SWERM, and a travel stipend.

Judging Criteria

Projects will be evaluated on:

1. Scientific Contribution, Rigor & Feasibility

Evaluates the strength and substance of the research itself. This includes how meaningfully the work advances understanding of solar‑wildlife and/or solar-ecosystem issues; the magnitude of its potential contribution; and whether the research design, data, and interpretations support the stated conclusions. Also considers the feasibility of applying the findings in a real‑world solar context

2. Relevance, Innovation & Solution‑Driven Impact

Assesses how directly the work informs solar‑wildlife interactions, solar‑ecosystem dynamics, or decision‑making in solar facility planning, operations, or management. Considers originality, creativity, and whether the work “moves the needle” by offering new insights, tools, or approaches. Emphasizes applicability, potential to reduce uncertainty, and alignment with REWI’s mission to inform responsible renewable energy development.

3. Communication, Professionalism & Engagement

Evaluates how clearly and effectively the student communicates the core ideas, importance, and implications of their research within a short presentation format. Includes organization, accessibility, and the ability to convey complex concepts concisely. Also reflects preparedness, confidence, responsiveness to questions, and overall professionalism during the live session.

Who Will Judge the Showcase

Our multi-member judging panel is still being finalized and will include representatives from across REWI’s partner community—industry, NGOs, academia, wildlife agencies, and research collaborators. If you are interested in serving as a judge for this year’s competition, please fill out this form.