University Collaboration
Collaborating Universities
Our university partners contribute research, student participation, poster-session involvement, and scholarship engagement to the annual FOCUS conference.
The University of Michigan
Contributes coatings research and student involvement in the conference poster session.
Bowling Green State University
Engages students and faculty in automotive coatings dialogue and scholarship participation.
North Dakota State University
Supports research collaboration and academic representation at the annual event.
The University of Akron
Contributes coatings research and student involvement in the conference poster session.
Michigan State University
Contributes coatings research and student involvement in the conference poster session.
Cass Technical High School
Students work with committee members on a science fair project that is shown as part of the poster session.
Poster Session — Annual FOCUS Conference
Participate in the Poster Session
Presenting at the one-day FOCUS conference gives academic participants direct exposure to industry professionals and attendees working in automotive exterior coatings, offering a focused forum to share research and build connections.
1. Prepare your abstract
2. Submit your participation interest
3. Confirm poster logistics
Deadlines, abstract requirements, review criteria, and display specifications vary by conference year. Please inquire with the FOCUS academic team for current details.
Annual Scholarship
Annual Scholarship
The annual FOCUS scholarship supports eligible students pursuing education and research relevant to automotive exterior coatings.
The scholarship is intended for students engaged in coursework or research connected to automotive coatings, materials, or related engineering disciplines.
Participating in the FOCUS academic community connects students with industry professionals, researchers, and peers shaping the future of automotive exterior coatings.
Eligibility
Please contact FOCUS for current eligibility requirements for this conference year.
Application Information
Application materials and instructions are confirmed annually. Contact FOCUS for current application details.
Selection and Timing
Selection criteria and timing are announced each conference cycle. Inquire with the FOCUS team for the current schedule.
Thank you. The FOCUS academic participation team will respond soon.
Academic Participation Inquiry
Questions About Academic Opportunities?
Universities, students, faculty, and prospective poster or scholarship participants can use this form to reach the FOCUS academic participation team with questions about university collaboration, poster-session participation, or the annual scholarship.
Academic Opportunities FAQ
Academic Opportunities: Common Questions
Details may vary by the annual conference cycle. Use the inquiry form to confirm current requirements.
How can a university collaborate with FOCUS?
Universities interested in collaborating with FOCUS can reach out through the academic participation inquiry form to discuss research, student involvement, and poster-session participation.Who can participate in the poster session?
Students and faculty affiliated with collaborating universities and working on automotive exterior coatings research are encouraged to participate. Contact the FOCUS academic team to confirm current eligibility.What should a poster-session inquiry include?
Include your name, university or organization, a brief description of your research topic, and any questions about abstract preparation, display specifications, or timing.Who is eligible for the annual scholarship?
Eligibility is confirmed each conference cycle. Please contact FOCUS through the inquiry form for current eligibility requirements.Where can I confirm current deadlines and application requirements?
Current deadlines and application requirements are confirmed annually. Submit an inquiry through the academic participation form to receive up-to-date information.