Research rocks. So does showing off research results. On Friday, Feb. 10, University of Oregon graduate students, faculty members and others connected with their research endeavors will gather from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Erb Memorial Union, 1222 E. 13th Ave., for the 2012 Graduate Student Research Forum.

The event, open to the campus community and public, is all about graduate students sharing their hard work and giving visitors a feel for the excitement of research. The event, in its third year, has become a highlight on the academic calendar for graduate students and those who work with them.

"Graduate student research is at the core of what matters in research universities," says Sandra Morgen, vice provost for graduate studies. "It plays a key role in expanding discovery and transforming knowledge. Their research has the potential to directly impact how we understand and solve social problems, develop new technologies and scientific practices, rethink the past, and promote innovation and creative expression."

"Research Matters" is the theme for this year's event, which will highlight the significance of research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts and professions.

The day begins with four concurrent, hour-long panel discussions, including one on "Politics Inside and Outside the Electoral Arena" in the EMU Oak Room. Other sessions to be held throughout the day will include an "Environmental Humanities Roundtable" and panel presentations on topics such as "Fostering Socio-Political Engagement Through Visual Media," "Energy Innovations," "Closing the Achievement Gap in K-12 Education," "Legal and Ethical Issues in Online Communication" and "Fostering Sustainability in the Built Environment."

Beginning at noon, a poster exhibition and reception will occur in the EMU Ballroom. The 90-minute session will begin with welcoming remarks by Kimberly Andrews Espy, vice president of research and innovation. More than 40 graduate students representing 18 departments will have exhibits featuring their work and be on hand to answer questions from visitors. The session also will include a performance by Rehearsals For Life, a graduate student theater troupe.

In all, 18 interdisciplinary panel sessions will be held. The full conference schedule is available online.

Participating in the events are 120 graduate students representing every school and college at the UO. The 30 programs to be represented include psychology, human physiology, marketing, architecture, anthropology, English, art and public administration.

The forum, sponsored by the Graduate School, provides a venue for graduate students to showcase their work to the campus community in a format that closely mirrors a professional academic conference, providing them with experience that is valuable to their professional development. Attendees are exposed to the creativity, variety, and innovative nature of the research projects that are being undertaken by graduate students at UO. All participants have the opportunity to engage directly with the researchers about their work.

In promoting the theme "Research Matters," the Graduate School is focusing on a spirited analysis of the underlying value of research itself, Morgen said. "Why do we conduct research, above and beyond the advancement of our academic careers? When does research become truly transformative? How can research make a difference as we face the economic, cultural, social and scientific challenges of our times?"

MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Barlow, director of science and research communications, 541-346-3481, jebarlow@uoregon.edu