OpiniUM is an academic research writing competition that challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance to a general audience via a concise opinion piece known as an op-ed.
Originally derived from its position opposite the editorial page in a newspaper, an op-ed is a 600–800-word column that conveys a clearly defined purpose and point of view and is written by an authoritative voice in the field. Op-ed writers use facts, statistics, anecdotes, and logic to support their expert opinions and inform and persuade the reader.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria and want to participate in the Op-Ed Challenge should submit an interest form by September 23, 2024.
September 9th, 12 pm - 1 pm Via Zoom |
OpiniUM Challenge Kick-Off Event |
September 23rd |
Interest Form Submission Deadline |
September 30th at 12 pm Via Zoom
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Cultivating Your Public Voice: How, Why, and For Whom Do We Write Op-Eds? - Workshop for Competitors Led by Dr. Christina Lane |
October 7th at 12 pm Via Zoom
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Tips on How to Write an Effective Op-Ed - Antonio Mora
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October 11th, 14th & 15th | Competitors can participate in either the Graduate Writing Retreat or schedule a one-on-one feedback meeting with a member of the Op-Ed Challenge Steering Committee or receive writing support from the University's Writing Center |
October 16th | OpiniUM Drafts Due |
November 1st at 10 am - 12 pm Location: Newman Alumni Library Newman Alumni Center 6200 San Amaro Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146
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Public Scholarship Workshop by Dr. Alfredo J. Artiles |
November 8th | OpiniUM Final Submissions Due |
Early November-Late November | Judging |
November 27th | Judges will provide feedback |
December 13th | Winners Selected and Announced |
If you have any questions about the OpiniUM Op-Ed Challenge, please contact the Graduate School at graduateschool@miami.edu.
The Graduate School hosted the Inaugural Op-Ed Challenge during the Fall 2022 Semester. The Op-Ed Challenge provided an exciting opportunity for graduate students at the University of Miami to showcase their impactful research to a wider audience through concise and persuasive opinion pieces known as op-eds. With entries from seven schools and colleges, the competition demonstrated the diverse and groundbreaking research being conducted by graduate students, covering complex topics such as climate change, obesity during the pandemic, and diversity. The competition not only provided a platform for students to share their ideas but also helped them to improve their critical writing skills with guidance from media experts. Moreover, the judging process, carried out by experienced editorial page editors from the Miami Herald, the Tampa Bay Times, and The Conversation, added to the competitive and educational nature of this challenge. Grace Snyder, Ph.D. student in Marine Biology & Ecology from the Rosenstiel School Op-ed Title: Stem Cell Therapy: The Answer for Coral Reefs Nikolaos Polizos, Ph.D. student in Biology from the College of Arts & Sciences Op-ed Title: Maggots For Brains: Why Animal Models are the Key to Our Memories Mariana Viso, Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering from the College of Engineering Op-ed Title: The Chips That Could Replace Animal Testing Joseph Bonner, Ph.D. student in Exercise Physiology from the School of Education & Human Development Op-ed Title: Childhood Obesity & COVID: We Aren’t Doing Enough To read all the submitted op-eds, click here. First Place Winner:
Second Place Winners (tied):
Third Place Winner:
Full List of Competitors: