STUDENT COMPETITION:
The aim of the PDC 2027 Student Competition is to help promote academic work and informed political debate by enhancing the research and general understanding essential for sound decision-making on NEO impact threats in the years to come. One or more of the best student papers and/or posters will be awarded a prize during the conference.
Students wishing to submit papers or posters to the PDC 2027 Student Competition must submit their abstract and upload proof of enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year through the abstract submission portal to confirm their participation before November 23, 2026. Limited financial support for travel may be available for students participating in the PDC Student Competition. Priority will be given to students who would otherwise be unable to attend, particularly first-time PDC attendees and students from countries that have historically had lower representation at past PDCs. Students whose abstracts are selected during the initial review process (acceptance notifications on January 22, 2027) will be invited to continue to the second phase of the competition. To remain eligible for the PDC 2027 Student Competition and associated travel support, selected students will be required to:

● By February 12, 2027: submit a 5-7 page extended abstract, a short letter of intent, and a statement of financial need specifying both the amount requested and any complementary funding expected from their institution or other sources.

● By March 5, 2027: confirm acceptance of any awarded travel grant and commitment to attend the PDC Gala on Thursday, May 6, 2027, where the PDC 2027 Student Competition ceremony will be held (mandatory for all travel grant recipients).

● Present their accepted paper or poster at PDC 2027 during their assigned technical session(s).

Finalists and travel grant recipients will be notified on February 22, 2027, before the end of the early-bird registration period. For questions regarding the competition or student support, students may contact the PDC Student Competition chair, Alissa J. Haddaji, at alissa.haddaji@spaceconsortium.org