What is CCUW*iP?
The annual Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (CCUW*iP) is a national conference that gathers physics students and professionals from across the country. Delegates will be participating in plenary lectures, workshops, panels, networking activities, student talks, student poster sessions, and lab tours. This professional conference aims to create an environment where delegates can build networks, present research, and explore career paths, while also promoting diversity and discussing women in physics, mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues. CCUW*iP is affiliated with a three-day CU*iPs series regionally-run across the United States which are coordinated by the American Physical Society (APS).
In 2026, the conference will be held from January 30-February 1.
Application/Registration
Is there an age restriction for the conference?
Yes! You must be over 18 years old at the time of the conference to apply to CCUW*iP.
I don’t identify as a woman. Can I still attend this conference?
Yes! Applications are in no way affected by your gender or sexual identity. All are welcome.
Who can attend? Do I need to be a physics major to apply?
Any undergraduate student attending a Canadian university, college, or CEGEP may apply.
It is very important to complete all parts of the application and to write a thoughtful Applicant Statement. If conferences are oversubscribed, priority will be given to applicants who:
- Are undergraduate physics or engineering physics majors
- Have never attended a CCUW*iP or APS CU*iP
There is no formal application or registration process for non-undergraduate students and interested faculty/mentors. We encourage you to email [to add e-mail] for details about attendance and participation.
Are “application” and “registration” the same thing?
Initial registration begins through Wufoo, which should then direct you to a survey to complete your application. Please email [add e-mail] if you are no longer able to attend the conference.
How do I know which site to apply to?
Since we are the only site in Canada hosting the conference, we may accept applications from any university in Canada. For American conference locations, please see the APS CU*iP map
Cost and Funding
How much does the conference cost?
Many Physics Departments pay for their students to attend the conference. The Conference organizers is hoping that they will generate enough revenue for the conference that they will be able to set up a travel support fund. If such a fund is established, if you cannot afford the registration fee and your department/college is unable to help, you may request a fee waiver by submitting a statement attesting to your financial need and verifying that department or university funds are not available. Further details will be provided when you are invited to register for the conference. You must request a fee waiver at the time you apply for the conference or email [add e-mail] before the conference.
Eligibility
Do I need to have research to present in order to attend the conference?
No! While we encourage you to present a talk or a poster if you have been involved in research, you are welcome just to attend the conference and participate in the activities. Offering to present a poster will not affect your chances of being selected to attend.
I attended last year; can I come to this year’s conference too?
The content of this year’s conference will not be exactly the same as last year’s, and you are welcome to apply to attend again. However, if more students apply than we can accommodate, preference will be given to students who have never attended a CCUW*iP.
I am a local student. Do I need to apply or register?
Yes, all attendees must apply by the deadline.
Can I attend the CCUW*iP if I’m from the US? For example, if I am considering a Canadian university for grad school and would like to speak to reps at this event.
Students from the U.S. are encouraged to apply for one of the APS CU*iP sites because priority will be given to Canadian students; this conference is not intended to be a graduate school event. Please note that, for in-person conferences, if a U.S. student applies to CCUW*iP and is accepted, because of the high demand of students and travel costs of those who are not in our region, we will only be able to offer travel grants (if available) to Canadian students.
I’m a student from Canada. Can I apply to a U.S. site?
Students from Canada are encouraged to apply to the Canadian conference. For in-person conferences, students from Canada may apply to closer U.S. sites if desired. However, Canadian students accepted to U.S. sites are not eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses from either the U.S. CU*iP or the CCUW*iP.
I’m a college/CEGEP student. Am I eligible to apply to CCUW*iP?
Yes, undergraduate students at any U.S. or Canadian college, university, or CEGEP may apply.
I’m a high school student/grad student/postdoc/faculty member. Am I eligible to apply to CCUW*iP?
Unfortunately, this conference is specifically for undergraduate students. If you are interested in attending similar conferences, there are the Women in Physics (WiPC), and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) conferences happening annually as well.
Only undergraduate students who will be over 18 at the time of the conference may apply to CCUW*iP.
I am two-spirit/transgender/gender-fluid/gender-queer/non-binary etc. Can I attend this conference?
Yes! Everyone is welcome. Students of all genders are welcome and encouraged to attend this conference.
Student Talks and Posters
What are the student poster presentations?
The student poster presentations give students the opportunity to practice their presentation skills in an accepting environment and to share their research. They also give all conference delegates the opportunity to learn more about the research in physics that the student presenters are involved in. We are encouraging anyone who is interested to submit an application!
How can I apply to present a poster?
You can apply to present on the registration form.
What can I talk about in the student talks and poster session?
Usually the posters and talks are about the student’s research but we are open to other proposals. The talk does not need to be about research. If you have an interesting idea about women in physics, intersectionality, or any other topic appropriate for this conference, you can also present!
What do I need for my talk?
Once you receive the virtual conference link information, you are asked to connect to make sure that your system is compatible and you have downloaded all required software prior to the event. All speakers should plan to connect to the conference at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their session to verify that the connection is working and that they are ready to start their presentation when called upon.
Will there be prizes for the student talks and posters?
Yes!
How will the student talks and poster be marked?
We will be marking on presentation skills, organization of slides and poster, clarity and the research. We will release the rubric closer to the deadline!
Who will be marking the talks and posters?
We will have a team of graduate students or faculty marking the posters and talks.
Grad and Career Fair
What is the Grad/Career Fair?
The grad and career fair is an event that allows attendees and recruiters from schools and companies to interact. If you are interested in attending Grad school or applying for a job at a physics related job this is the place for you!
Should I attend the fair even if I won’t be graduating soon or I don’t plan on applying for grad school?
Yes! The grad /career fair is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the possibility of physics and physics related fields. It also allows you the chance to talk to recruiters about their experiences.
Miscellaneous
What should I wear to the conference?
This is an official physics event, we encourage all participants to dress comfortably and be suitably attired, particularly if you will be a presenter.
Will there be resources available for attendees with disabilities?
We will request information on disability status on the registration form. Please contact us in advance if you have special requirements, and we will work to accommodate you.
Will there be resources available for religious practices?
Anyone attending the conference who will be presenting should let the organizers know if there will be times that should be avoided as they plan the schedule of talks.
What are the guidelines for posters and talks?
Please see our Presentation Guidelines page for more information.
Can I connect with those going to the conference before arriving?
Yes! We have set up a Linked page: Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics or check us out on Instagram @ccuwip2026.
I have anxiety, depression, etc, and I am worried about attending this conference. What should I do?
For the conference, if you are concerned about any aspect of participation in the event, if you feel comfortable doing so, we invite you to contact the organizing group at [add e-mail] to make them aware of your concerns so that they can look at ways in which to make your participation as comfortable and rewarding as possible.