Several graduate students are sitting pretty after receiving recognition and, perhaps more important, a cash reward, for their hard work and dedication to research.

The 16th annual Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum, held Saturday in University Hall, showcased original research by students in each of the 10 areas of graduate study at Ohio State.

More than 80 students presented their research at this event, which was entirely student-organized by the Council of Graduate Students. In addition, the forum was co-sponsored by the Graduate School and the Office of Research.

“The forum provides opportunities for students to participate in a conference, share their research and be recognized for outstanding contributions to research at OSU,” said Eve Scrogham, CGS vice president and forum chairperson.

Cash prizes were awarded in each academic area, and the top prize in each category was $300 plus a $500 travel grant for presenting research at a professional conference, Scrogham said.

Thirty-one students were given awards at the ceremony and luncheon, held at the Faculty Club.

“While research is usually a collaborative endeavor between the students and faculty, this forum specifically focuses on the research contributions of the graduate students,” Scrogham said.

President William “Brit” Kirwan shared a few words of advice with the presenters and judges to kick off the event. He spoke of the importance of research, stressing people should never stop learning new things.

“Make certain you set aside time to keep learning,” Kirwan said.

Students presented their research to a panel of judges as either a 12-minute oral presentation or a poster presentation.

“No matter where these students are in their careers, the forum provides a unique opportunity to present research and gain valuable feedback from distinguished scholars and professionals,” Scrogham said.

In order to participate in this event, students had to submit an abstract of their work. This year, 141 applicants and eight students from each area were selected as finalists.

Many of the participants presented topics they had been researching for years.

“It’s hard to sum up two years of work in 12 minutes,” said Paul Eder, the second-place winner in engineering sciences.

There are many benefits to participating in this event, said Heather Smith, who won first place in engineering sciences.

“This is good experience for technical meetings in the future, with presenting information and working with others,” Smith said.

Speakers at the ceremony included C. Bradley Moore, vice president for research; J. Briggs Cormier, president of CGS; and Susan Huntington, dean of the graduate school.

“The forum is named in honor of Edward F. Hayes, the former vice president of research at OSU,” Scrogham said.

Hayes’ widow, Anne Hayes, was in attendance, as well as his daughter and son-in-law.