Laurier Brantford students to showcase outstanding research at 10th annual ACERS event March 19

Feb. 24, 2026

Students, faculty, staff and members of the public are invited to Wilfrid Laurier University’s Academic, Creative and Engaged Research Showcase (ACERS) on March 19 to celebrate outstanding student research.

Hosted at Laurier’s Brantford campus, the 10th annual ACERS event will provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to present their research projects to peers and the university community while competing for more than $5,000 in cash prizes. 

Guests are encouraged to check out posters, podcasts and videos created by participating student researchers during a showcase in the lower level of One Market from noon to 3 p.m. on March 19. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony at 1:30 p.m. 

“Our undergraduate students are passionate about the subjects they’re researching and ACERS gives them a platform to share that enthusiasm outside the classroom,” says Bryce Gunson, research project coordinator in the Faculty of Liberal Arts. “It’s a learning experience for both guests and the students themselves, as they’re tasked with presenting their findings in a way that’s meaningful to a broader audience.”

Grand prize winners in the categories of poster, podcast and video will receive $750 each. Second- and third-place winners in each category will receive $500 and $250, respectively. The Early Year Researcher Award grants $500 to a submission by a first- or second-year student.

Attendees at the award ceremony can also take part in an ACERS bingo competition for a chance to win FreshCo grocery gift cards. 

ACERS is co-led by Gunson and Tracy Woodford, research project coordinator in the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences. The event is made possible by a generous donation from the Race family, with additional support from Laurier’s Sustainability Office. 

Event details 

When: Thursday, Mar. 19; noon to 3 p.m. (showcase), 1:30 p.m. (award ceremony)

Where: One Market Atrium, 1 Market St., Brantford

No RSVP necessary 

For more information visit the ACERS homepage or email bgunson@wlu.ca.