Distinguished Research-in-Progress (RiP) sessions, an initiative of the Mid-South Education Research Foundation (MSERF), provides a formal presentation opportunity for university students (graduate & undergraduate) who are engaged in research that is underway but is not sufficiently far along to submit for other MSERA sessions. ​​

All accepted Research-in-Progress proposals will be considered for one of the MSERF Distinguished RiP Awards to be given at the Business Meeting (typically held on Thursday of the Annual Meeting). If proposals have a STEM focus, consider applying for the Clifford Hofwolt Research-in-Progress Award for STEM-Inquiry. The review committee may award up to 10 Distinguished RiP awards in any given year.  Each RiP recipient receives a travel scholarship of $100 from MSERF in addition to a certificate of accomplishment.  Only one Hofwolt Research-in-Progress Award for Stem Inquiry may be awarded in a given year.  The Hofwolt RiP recipient receives an enhanced travel scholarship of $250.

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Guidelines for Distinguished RiP Awards

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RiP Proposals will be evaluated using a special RiP Rubric, and recipients will be selected based on overall scores. ​Any Distinguished RiP Award Recipient must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current student at the time of the Annual Meeting

• Be sole or primary author

• Submit completed RiP Award Application and supporting materials via the MSERA proposal submission portal by May 31, 2026

• Register for the Annual Meeting

• Attend Annual Meeting

• Present RiP (research not completed or successfully defended by the time of the Annual Meeting) in assigned RiP Paper Session or Roundtable Session.

• Be present at the MSERA Business Meeting on Thursday afternoon.

If you have questions about Research-in-Progress, please email echeek@southalabama.edu and include “MSERA RiP” in the subject line.