JWU

Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium

This annual event celebrates student accomplishments and highlights the breadth of research and innovation happening in JWU classrooms every day.

2025 Student Research Design Innovation Symposium.

What to Expect

On display will be high-quality work from both undergraduate and graduate students in Arts & Sciences, Food Innovation & Technology, Health & Wellness and Hospitality & Business.

Last spring’s event attracted more than 300 members of the academic and business communities, with influential representatives from the government, education and healthcare sectors, and our JWU alumni network.

View the Scholars Archive

Creativity and Impact Take Center Stage

The 2026 Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium brought students from JWU’s Providence and Charlotte campuses together to share projects spanning research, design, sustainability, health and wellness, culinary innovation and more. From zero-waste desserts and food literacy programs to research addressing public health challenges and designs that support childhood learning, students showcased the passion and creativity behind their work. More than 100 projects were presented in Providence alone, highlighting the breadth of ideas and experiences across the university.

Read more about the 2026 event
A person in a beige blazer gestures while speaking to another individual at an academic event, with research posters from Johnson

Scenes from the 2026 Symposium at JWU Providence

A student stands behind a research presentation table with a computer monitor and food samples. On-screen text reads, “Sorry didn’t reply to your text. I was busy yapping research.”

Students in JWU Charlotte share their research.

Save the Dates

The Symposium will be held on two separate dates in Providence, R.I., and Charlotte, N.C. Drop in at your local campus to speak with our students about their exemplary work, including research, prototypes and other industry-specific projects. All are welcome!

Three students stand beside a colorful display board titled "Scholars For Service" at the Student Research and Design Symposium.

JWU Charlotte

Friday, April 17, 2026

10am-11:30am

University Events Center
801 West Trade St. (at Cedar St.)
Charlotte, NC 28202

More Info for Charlotte Students Interested in Presenting
A student presents her project to two observers at the Student Research and Design Symposium.

JWU Providence

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Noon-2pm

Friedman Center, Harborside Campus
315 Harborside Blvd.
Providence, RI 02905

More Info for Providence Students Interested in Presenting

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors:

A student in a suit and glasses gestures while speaking to a group of attendees.
A student in a black shirt and glasses smiles while engaging in conversation with another person.
A student discussing her project with an attendee while examining a research poster.

Learn More about Student Research at JWU

If you’re interested in partnering with the Center for Student Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration (CSRIC) for a scholarly project, please email csric@jwu.edu

Explore The Student Research center