Undergraduate Research Forum 2025

​​​​​​​​​​The 7th Effat Undergraduate Research Forum

“Saudi Arabia as a Global Hub: Leveraging International Events fo​r Vision 2030"

Call for Papers

The Research and Consultancy Institute (RCI), in cooperation with the Deanship of Student Affairs, is pleased to announce the Call for Paper for the 7th Effat Undergraduate Research Forum (UGRF). This year's forum theme is “Saudi Arabia as a Global Hub: Leveraging International Events for Vision 2030". Undergraduate students from all Saudi Universities are encouraged to submit proposals for scholarly work, papers (presentations), Posters, Demonstrations/Innovative Prototypes, video/audio, and showcases of the previous and current semesters (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Fall 2025).

About the Theme:

The conference theme, "Saudi Arabia as a Global Hub: Leveraging International Events for Vision 2030," examines Saudi Arabia's evolving role in the global arena by focusing on how international events, including cultural, economic, and sports gatherings, influence the country's development, connectivity, and positioning on the world stage. The theme underscores Saudi Arabia's growing importance in fostering global partnerships, enhancing international collaboration, and shaping future trends across various sectors. Ultimately, the conference aims to explore the impact of these significant events on the Kingdom's economy, society, and international relationships.

About the UGRF Forum: This forum is a multi-disciplinary gathering for discussing and exchanging information on undergraduate students' research and development projects. ​​

Participation Tracks

Track 1: Leveraging Events for Economic Diversification & Global Partnerships

This track will explore how international events drive economic growth, attract investment, foster trade, and build global partnerships in line with Vision 2030's economic diversification goals.

Track 2: Enhancing Socio-Cultural Exchange & National Identity through Global Events

This track will focus on the role of cultural and social events in promoting cross-cultural understanding, showcasing Saudi Arabia's heritage and contemporary culture, and strengthening national identity within a global context.

Track 3: The Built Environment & Infrastructure for International Events

This track will examine the architectural, urban planning, and infrastructural developments necessary to host large-scale international events and their long-term impact on Saudi Arabia's urban landscape and sustainability goals.

Track 4: The Impact of Sports and Mega-Events on National Development & Global Positioning

This track will analyze how sports events and other mega-events contribute to national pride, tourism, infrastructure development, and Saudi Arabia's overall global image and influence.

Participation C​ategories​

The Program includes a wide range of exciting and practical activities designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information. ​

1) Research Presentations

Undergraduate Students must deliver their best research presentation addressing topics related to the forum's theme in 3-5 minutes (Maximum of five slides – excluding the title and last slides). They can present research from the previous and current semester coursework (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Fall 2025). Students who want to participate in this category will need to submit the following:

• R​esearch abstract OR a complete research paper: A research abstract is a concise summary of a research project, around 150–300 words. The abstract should include:
  
  
1. Title – A clear, informative title of the research.
2. Background or Purpose – Brief context and the research question or objective.
3. Methods – A short description of how the research was conducted.
4. Results – A summary of findings (or anticipated results if the research is ongoing).
5. Conclusion/Significance – The importance or implications of the research.
   
• ​A complete research paper ready for publication (research components include Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Conclusion, References).

Selected papers will be considered for publication in Effat Undergraduate Research Journal, which is being indexed in the Scopus Research Platform. For this purpose, students might be required to modify their papers after the presentation in the forum, if needed. Please note that reviewers may reject submissions if the written product shows exceedingly poor Language, grammar, or structure.

• PowerPoint Presentation:

In addition to the research abstract OR the complete research paper, students will need to submit a PowerPoint presentation (PPT) of their research. The PPT is a structured overview of the research project, which includes:

• Introduction: Background, research questions, and objectives.
• Methodology: How the research was conducted.
• Results: Key findings and data analysis.
• Discussion: Interpretation of the results and their significance.
• Conclusion: Summary of the research and future directions.

2) Innovation Exhibition

An innovation exhibition is an event specifically designed to showcase cutting-edge ideas, products, and technologies that have the potential to shape the future. It provides a platform for students to come together, explore groundbreaking advancements, and foster collaboration. The exhibition will include:

• Poster Session:
  Completed or current research projects can be presented during extended poster sessions. Students submit a research poster including a research brief and a precise statement of the problem or issue, followed by a description of the research method and design, the significant findings, and the conclusions reached.

• Project/Prototype Showcases:
  Showcases and demonstrations of designs or prototyped products can be presented in the exhibition. Students will submit a brief abstract about the project or prototype.

• Audio/Visual (A/V) Exhibition: Sensory Experience:
  An A/V exhibition combines the power of sound and visuals to create an immersive and engaging experience for viewers.

• Business Innovation and Ideation:
  

  Business Innovation and Ideation refers to the presentation of research projects or ideas that explore new business concepts, strategies, or technologies. Students might showcase their work on topics such as:​

• New product or service development: Creating innovative solutions to meet unmet customer needs.
• Business model innovation: Exploring new ways to generate revenue or deliver value.
• Technological advancements: Applying emerging technologies to improve business processes or create new opportunities.
• Social entrepreneurship: Developing business ventures that address social or environmental challenges.​

Templates

• The complete research paper template (Springer Word Template​).
• The PowerPoint presentation template for the research presentation category. (Here)
• The Poster Session template for the innovation exhibition category.​ (Here)

​Eligibility

Active undergraduate students with research from Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Fall 2025.

​The Prizes

Winners will be nominated from each category and each track.

1. First-place winners will be awarded 1000 SR, a certificate, and a plaque.
2. ​Second-place winners will be awarded 500 SR and a certificate.