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Get Involved: Current Contests

Student Competition: Trends in Training

Graduate and undergraduate students are invited to participate in a competition exploring trends in training. Each participant will research and analyze an emerging trend, evaluate its current and potential future impact on training practices, and submit a detailed write-up showcasing their findings and insights.
 

  1. Trend Selection:
    Participants may select any emerging or future trend in training. Examples include but are NOT limited to:

    • AI and Machine Learning in personalized training

    • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) training

    • Adaptive learning technologies

    • Microlearning modules

    • Other forward-looking trends

  2. Deliverable:
    Submissions should be a 500–600-word write-up and must include the following sections:

    • Brief Description: Overview of the selected trend and its relevance to training

    • Strengths: Potential benefits and advantages of the trend

    • Challenges: Key obstacles or limitations associated with implementing this trend in training contexts

    • Current Uses: How is the trend currently being utilized? Can include current examples and/or practices related to the training method.

    • Potential Examples of Future Uses: Speculative or forward-looking applications of the trend in future training practices

  3. AI Disclaimer:

    • If you use ChatGPT or any other AI tool in your research or writing, you must include a disclaimer at the end of your submission specifying how the tool was used (e.g., for idea generation, editing, or drafting). The statement should be placed in a section entitled “Declaration of Large Language Models, Generative AI, and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process.”

    • Example AI Disclaimer: During the writing of this work, the author(s) utilized [NAME TOOL / SERVICE] to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the paper.

    • This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, and references. If there is nothing to disclose, no statement is necessary.

  4. Evaluation Criteria:

    • Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

    • Clarity and conciseness: Well-organized and clear writing

    • Depth of analysis: Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the trend and its implications

    • Innovative insights: Creative or forward-thinking ideas

    • Relevance: Clear focus on training and its future stakeholders

  5. Submission Details:

    • Format: PDF, 500-600 words, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-spaced (Arial or Times New Roman)

    • Submission Period: July 7th – August 15th, 2025

  6. Prizes:

    • First Place

      1. Monetary prize of $100

      2. Free HFES Student Affiliate membership for 2026 with membership to the Training Technical Group (Total Value = $40)

      3. Certificate of Excellence

      4. Spotlight feature within the following TTG newsletter

      5. Special recognition on TTG's media channels

    • Second and Third Place

      1. Certificates of Recognition

      2. Spotlight feature within the following TTG newsletter

      3. Special recognition on TTG’s media channels

  7. Contact

    • For questions or further details, please contact: John Kleber (kleberj@erau.edu)

Best Student Research Proposal

The HFES Training Technical Group (TTG) is calling for entries to its annual Best Student Research Proposal. The winning proposal will receive $599 to defray the costs of conducting the research (e.g., materials or equipment, research participant payments) and attending this or next year's (i.e., the 2025 or 2026 meeting) HFES Annual Meeting. The winner will be asked to give a brief presentation at this year's (2025) TTG business meeting to introduce their project to the TG. They will be asked to submit a final report on the progress and outcome of the research project at next year's (2026) TTG business meeting.

Requirements

To compete for the award, students should submit a proposal that includes the following:

  • Cover letter (Include name, current mailing and email addresses, names of others involved in the project, and university affiliation).

  • A proposal narrative that explains the basis of the research, the questions that the research will explore, and the methods that will be employed to gather and analyze the data. The narrative should clarify the knowledge gap that the research will fill and how it will do so. (No longer than three pages).

  • References may be included and will not count against the three-page limit.

  • A budget (No longer than 1 page) that illustrates how the student will use the award to support the research. Students can use award funds for two purposes. First, students can use the funds to defray the cost of the research (e.g., material or recruitment costs). Second, students can use the funds to defray the costs of attending the 2025 or 2026 HFES annual meeting. At that meeting, the winner will be asked to provide the TTG with an update on the supported research.

  • A signed and scanned letter of support from the individual who will supervise the research. The letter should indicate the supervisor's confidence that the research plan is sound and that the student can execute it.


How to Apply

If you would like to apply for the Best Student Research Proposal award, please send your complete application package (cover letter, narrative, references, budget, and letter of support compiled into a single PDF) to the TTG Awards Chair, Shafiqul Islam (shafiqul@vt.edu), no later than Sunday, June 15.

 

The winner will be notified in August and announced during the HFES annual meeting or TTG business meeting.

© 2025 by HFES TTG

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