The advice came during Professor Galbreath’s opening remarks at this year’s Postgraduate Research Showcase, emphasising the importance of communicating detailed research succinctly. Ten PhD students from across the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences presented their research by way of a poster and chatting with visitors at the Showcase exhibition.

The PhD and Professional Doctorate students were judged on their academic excellence, originality, relevance and clarity of communication. Awards were made in three categories:

• PhD pre-confirmation Gold: Hannah West (Social & Policy Sciences)
• PhD pre-confirmation Silver: Christopher Bryant (Psychology)
• PhD post-confirmation Gold: Elaine Gallagher (Psychology)
• PhD post-confirmation Silver: Anna Csernus (Education)
• Professional Doctorate: Margaret Halicioğlu (Education)

View posters from this event.

Presenting the awards, Professor Jonathan Knight, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), described the Showcase as "a celebration of the diversity of doctoral research going on across the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences". He remarked on the extent of technology and technological change involved in much of the research, and the magnitude of topics under investigation, such as climate change and war. He said: “I’m particularly impressed by the level of engagement of the students; a good marker of doctoral confidence.”

The Faculty’s Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) Dr Edmund Keogh, and one of today’s judges, said: “The Showcase gives students the chance to develop their communication skills by talking to visitors in an accessible way, and they’ve certainly done that today.” Fellow judge, Dr Neil Bannister, Graduate Development & Centre Manager added: “This is good practise for the students. It is an important skill to be able to engage people and convey ideas.”

Pre-confirmation winner, Hannah West, certainly agrees. She said: “The Showcase was perfectly timed for me as I prepare the first two chapters of my research for my confirmation.” Post-confirmation winner, Elaine Gallagher, felt the Showcase was a great opportunity to learn a large amount from each other in a short space of time. Commenting on her win she said: “It feels as if my PhD is finally coming together and making an impact.”