It’s always a challenge to narrow the topic focus for research, since the more we read, the wider it seems to get! However, once we have sorted out the boundaries and are more comfortable that the focus is manageable, it feels the right time to move forward. So we would –
– read widely
– review literature
– collect and analyse data
while at the same time trying to write a thesis – not a small task!
Then this competition called the Three Minute Thesis comes along. Most universities run internal competitions and higher research degree students are encouraged to participate. Last year’s AUT winner, Judy Thomas, a doctoral student from Health and Environmental Sciences, competed at the finals held at the University of Western Australia!!
So, why would we enter this competition?
Reasons might be because –
– it’s a good opportunity to see if you know and can synthesise the research (you need to, as you have to talk about it all in 3 minutes);
– you get practice in paring down the research to the barest essentials;
– it’s good experience for public speaking;
– you get an opportunity to persuade listeners that your research is significant;
– you get involved in a fun competition, listen to others talk about their research in 3 minutes and, if you win, network with others in Australia and compete in the trans-Tasman competition!
So why not take on the challenge and have a go?
Applications to enter the competition close on Friday 27 July, 2012. Click on this link for more information.
