Postgraduate research celebrated at Doctoral College Showcase


On 21 April, 24 research degree students from across the four faculties participated in the Doctoral College Showcase, hosted at TheVenue@DMU. This Showcase, opened by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Heather McLaughlin, saw the return of research presentations and the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) final.

Students were tasked to deliver either 10-minute or three-minute presentations to non-specialist audiences in engaging ways. We also had a new entry to our collection of Research Podcasts.

The event ran for the first time in a hybrid format. Presenters could deliver their talks remotely or live in person – and the entire day was livestreamed. The event hosted more than 60 research degree students who attended throughout the day, while many more watched the livestream.

For the two events, we asked the judges to review presentations and determine who delivered outstanding talks. A key criterion across the two events was the ability for the researcher to communicate to non-specialists and demonstrate a passion for their topic.

The winners, listed below, were announced at the end of the day by Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Deborah Cartmell:

Judge’s Choice for Excellent Presentation:

  • Winner: Abdullah Alsalemi, The Power of Data Visualisation in Boosting Energy Efficiency: Using Energy Heat Maps (CEM)
  • Runner up: Ling Tian, The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction project management for green buildings: a comparison between UK and China (CEM)

Judge’s Choice for Best 3-Minute Thesis Presentations:

  • Winner: Jessica Gallagher, Self-Harm in Prison: Analysing the impact of prison conditions of those incarcerated to inform evidence-based reform (BAL)

Joint runners up:

  • Trevor Wood, No Phishing Here (CEM)
  • Rachel Neal, When I get my civvie clothes on, No more soldiering for me (ADH)

The Showcase ended with the 3-Minute Thesis final, featuring 11 presentations delivered by research degree students representing their faculties. The 3MT overall winner, Jessica Gallagher, will go on to represent De Montfort University at the UK National Semi-Finals hosted by Vitae.

One of our guest judges, Claire Hudson (Project Manager for Leicester City Council Museum Service), said: “It’s great to get an understanding of the amazing range of research taking place at DMU”.

Doctoral College Showcase - Ling Tian inset

Photo: Ling Tian delivering her presentation

Doctoral College Showcase - Jessica Gallagher inset

Photo: Jessica Gallagher delivering her 3MT


Doctoral College Showcase - group photo inset1

Photo: Winners of presentations and 3MT, (left to right: Jessica Gallagher, Rachel Neal, Trevor Wood, Ling Tian and Abdullah Alsalemi)

Posted on Tuesday 26 April 2022

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