The UCC Doctoral Showcase took place on 21 June 2011. The showcase is a relatively new concept whereby PhD students explain their research to a public, non-specialist audience. I applied to take part in it and was chosen to go through to the final on 21 June 2011.
There were three categories in the showcase:
- the poster competition, where students presented their research on a poster.
- the three minute thesis, where students presented their research in a three minute presentation, using whatever props they thought was necessary and only one powerpoint slide.
- the ten minute thesis, where students presented their research in a ten minute presentation, using props and as many powerpoint slides as they wanted.
As a first year PhD student I could apply for the poster competition or the three minute thesis. I decided to apply for the three minute thesis. Three judges evaluated the entrants and they awarded a first and second prize in each category. I was not successful on this occasion, but will keep practicing my presentation skills. I think it's a valuable skill to be able to describe your research (or anything for that matter) in a succinct and clear manner.
The Showcase brochure.
