Entering The Competition

Who Can Enter?

The competition is open to all RHD students currently enrolled in Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy programs.

Rules and Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria

Entrants will be judged by a panel of three non-specialists on the following criteria:

  1. comprehension: did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
    • Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of research?
    • Do you know what is significant about this research?
    • Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
  2. engagement: did the oration make the audience want to know more?
    • Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or dumb down their  research?
    • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
    • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
    • Would I like to know more about the speaker's research?
  3. communication style: was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience?
    • Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range, maintain a steady pace and a confident stance?
    • Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology that needed to be used, and provided adequate background information to illustrate points?
    • Did the presenter spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long or were rushed?
    • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from, their presentation - was it clear, legible and concise?

The judges will score each competitor out of ten for each criterion. Fractional scores (e.g. 7.5) will be allowed.

Rules

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to be displayed from the beginning of the oration). 
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (eg no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Registration

Registrations for 2013 are now closed. For information on the 2014 competition please check the website in the new year.

Further Information

For more information please contact:

Nadine Barry
Graduate Studies Officer
Office of Graduate Studies
University of Newcastle
nadine.barry@newcastle.edu.au