At my university I have seen our office of research and graduate college move their support from things like poster sessions and research conferences to more "flashy" and commodifiable endeavors. For example, they support the 3-Minute presentation competitions (which to me say "you aren't worth my 10 minutes") and TED talks, and the making of research videos and electronic posters that the university can post and use as they desire. I can see some value in these endeavors, but it is at the cost of having fewer traditional posters and seminar opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
What I am wondering is how widespread this in the US and beyond? And is anyone aware of any research comparing the effectiveness of more traditional research presentations vs. flashier formats for the dispersal of ideas, the progress of fields, and the training of students? Best regards, Barney -- Dr. Barney Luttbeg Oklahoma State University Department of Integrative Biology 421 Life Sciences West (405) 744-1717
