2026 Competition

The AWS Poster Competition is a key component of the annual AWS Professional Program. Visual displays of technical or business projects are welcome for inclusion in this competition. Authors are also invited to submit an optional video (~ 3 to 4 minutes) along with their posters. Posters and videos will present results from welding and additive manufacturing (AM) related studies, which are best conveyed visually, as well as research results involving study and analysis of graphs, micrographs, tables, or CAD drawings.

Submissions are welcomed in seven categories:

  1. High school students enrolled in welding programs
  2. High school students participating in university-sponsored programs*
  3. Students enrolled in two-year college or certificate programs
  4. Undergraduate students in Bachelor of Science in Technology (B.S. Tech.) college programs*
  5. Undergraduate students in Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S. Eng.) university programs
  6. Graduate students (Master of Science [M.Sc], Master of Engineering [M.Eng.], Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.])
  7. Professionals (ineligible for prize money)

* Denotes a newly added category

Prizes for each category:

  • 1st Place: $750
  • 2nd Place: $500
  • 3rd Place: $300

Goals of the competition include:

  • Advancing the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including additive manufacturing (AM) through visual communication of work under-taken to address technical and commercial challenges.
  • Highlighting investigative work in the fields outlined above by recognizing the investigators and institutions that support these endeavors.
  • Promoting development of students’ communication skills and knowledge of welding, AM and related technologies.