We have an entire page on our site dedicated to helping new teams get a head start at the contest. We include:
The 2023 Team Manual supersedes any previous manuals or handbooks.
2023 Team Manual will be posted by end of July.
The 2022 Manual is posted for reference until the 2023 Manual is available.
Find information needed to prepare the Flash Talk that is not included in the TEAM manual, including:
FAQs for each task are posted on the 2023 Tasks/FAQs page
Teams should check FAQs weekly, as updates are often made to tasks.
Teams are responsible for all information posted in the FAQs.
The technical report will be written in the the traditional double-spaced format (see Team Manual above).
Teams invited after the contest to publish in IEEE Xplore will use the IEEE template.
The ESP applies to all activities that take place in Las Cruces during the April contest.
When at their home university, teams should follow their institution’s laboratory safety policies.
Each year, the WERC Design Contest and its sponsors award more than $25,000 in prizes in the following categories. Amounts shown are minimum amounts and may increase, according to funding.
Task awards (First, Second, Third Place; minimum amounts: $2500-$1000-$500, respectively).
The number of awards will depend on the number of entries in each task.
Awards are based on the judging rubric for written, oral, poster, and bench-scale components.
Freeport-McMoRan Innovation in Sustainability Award ($2500)
The selection process centers primarily on the bench-scale demonstrations and identifies the final product or solution that best contributes to sustainability.
WERC Resources Center Pollution Prevention/Energy Efficiency Award ($500)
Recognizes the team that best utilizes the concepts of P2 (pollution prevention) and E2 (energy efficiency) in their solution. Primary considerations: Reduction/elimination of waste, greenhouse gases, hazardous materials; Conservation of water and air; utilization of sustainable materials; energy efficiency.
Judges’ Choice Award ($500)
Peer Award ($250). Voted by all students who participate in the contest.
Terry McManus Outstanding Student Award. (Minimum: $500, according to funding).
All participating students are eligible for the Award. Recipients chosen based on letter from Faculty Advisor.
Flash Talk competition ($1000-$750-$500-$250). Separate team of judges.