We invite submissions of outstanding student projects that address current transportation research, policy, and practice. The purpose is to recognize and reward work completed for courses over the academic year.

Students can submit their work as an abstract. All submissions are due on April 17 at 5:00 PM. Download the abstract template here.

Three winners and five honorable mentions will receive:

• Free admission to the 2026 Transport Chicago conference

• The opportunity to present their work during the event program

• Meaningful networking opportunities with transportation professionals and industry leaders

More details, including submission requirements, FAQs, and an abstract template, are below.

Winners will be announced and honored at the conference. 

We look forward to seeing your work!

Benefits of Participation:

• Be Recognized: Three winners will be announced live at the conference.

• Attend for Free: All finalists (8) will receive complimentary conference admission.

• Showcase Your Work: All finalists (8) will present their posters to transportation professionals and industry leaders.

Eligibility

Transport Chicago seeks outstanding student projects addressing current transportation research, policy, and practice. The competition recognizes student work completed by undergraduate and graduate students as part of academic courses during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The purpose is to recognize and reward coursework completed during the 2025-2026 academic year. Submissions should consist of an abstract:

• Abstracts: Submit a 1-2 page abstract that presents the core research elements, clearly outlining the project, its preliminary results, and impacts using the provided template.

Please note:

• Work must have been completed while enrolled as a student

• Both individual and group projects are allowed, but only one student may apply per project.

  If selected as a finalist, the student must present a poster sharing their work at the conference

• Preference will be given to more recent work.

Winners will be announced and honored at the conference. 

The competition judges reserve the right and have full discretion to reject or not select any submission for an award.

Format and Submission

Initial Submission (Open to All Eligible Students)

Abstracts should:

• Follow the template provided 

• Be a maximum of 2 pages

• Use 12-pt font

• Be uploaded as a file that contains no identifiable information.

Finalist Submission (By Invitation Only)

Only applicants selected as finalists will be invited to prepare a 36”x 48” poster using one of the provided templates and present it at the conference. Poster submission is not open to all applicants. Applicants selected as finalists will be notified on May 18, 2026.

Evaluation & Scoring

• Problem Definition (20 points): Does the study clearly define the transportation problem, identify relevant gaps, state aligned objectives, and demonstrate its significance to transportation research and practice?

• Methodology (20 points): Are the methods appropriate and aligned with the research questions, supported by credible and reproducible data, grounded in sound and clearly explained analysis, and transparent about assumptions and limitations?

• Results (20 points): Are the results clearly presented, logically supported by the analysis and objectives, thoughtfully interpreted, and contributing new insight to existing work?

• Implementation Potential (20 points): Does the study address a real-world transportation challenge with feasible, scalable recommendations that consider key constraints and lead to tangible outcomes?

Submit questions to:
Student Work Competition Committee Chair: students@transportchicago.org

Final entries are due by April 17, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT.