This is a new session for USW postgraduate research students aimed at developing your skills in communicating your research using one single image along with a synopsis (no more than 200 words) to represent the research in a unique and creative way of engaging others in the research project - taking away all of the technical language and leaving your research question!

To participate in the Images of Research session please complete the online form and remember to submit both the title and caption with your image.

Image format

Photographers will need to be able to provide a high-resolution image file with a dimension of at least 2000 pixels at the longest edge. Shortlisted images will be printed (at no cost to you). Images can be submitted in portrait or landscape orientation. The overall presentation of your submission may vary depending on which orientation you choose.

Image adjustments

The faithful representation of what was captured at the time of the shot being taken must be maintained. Digital adjustments are only acceptable if limited to minor cleaning work (removing dust spots), levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work. Sharpening and minimal cropping is allowed. Stitched images are not permitted. Composting, multiple exposures, sandwich shots and double exposures are not permitted. Multiple or collage images are not permitted. Adding or removing elements into/from the image is not allowed. Pictures that have been digitally manipulated beyond the terms of the rules will be disqualified. The judges reserve the right to the exclude any image they believe may have been excessively treated so as to alter its authenticity.

Colour

Full colour or black and white images are permitted. Digital files or scans of transparencies can be submitted. Dodging, burning and toning of these is allowed.

Camera details

All entrants may be required to provide details about their camera, lens, exposure, speed and any other equipment used.

Title and description

Your submission must include a snappy, interesting title and a max. 200 word description of how the image demonstrates your research.  As the abstract will be read by members non-specialists in your research area you must ensure that the description uses plain English and is jargon-free.

Subject limitations

No nudes or portrayals of illegal activities. Submissions that, in the sole discretion of the judges, are considered inappropriate or unsuitable for publication will be deemed ineligible and removed from the competition. Please note that entries that do not conform to the specifications for the image file or abstract will be rejected.

Copyright, Legality and Liability

Copyright, reuse and reproduction

Entrants will retain copyright in the photographs that they submit. By entering the competition, all entrants grant the University of South Wales the right to publish and exhibit their photographs across all three campuses and to use the image(s) in any of our publicity and marketing materials and on its website. Entries may also be retained and used for the University of South Wales image library. By entering this competition you consent to the use of your name, biographical information, entry and any statements attributed to you, or photographs of you taken subsequently, being used for promotional purposes without additional compensation to you. While we make every effort to credit photographers, including in printed reproductions of their work, we cannot guarantee this. Media will be allowed to publish winning images free of charge for the purpose of promoting the photographic competition. All images used by the media will be credited to the photographer. As such, you hereby grant to the University of South Wales a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to reuse and/or reproduce works based on your submission without any obligation to compensate you.

Liability and legal issues

The University of South Wales shall not be liable in any way for a submission. It is the responsibility of the photographer to secure permission from persons in their photographs by ensuring that they have written permission to use the image. You represent and warrant to the University that (i) you are the sole and exclusive owner of your submission, or that you have all right and authority to grant the rights in the submission to the University described herein; (ii) you have obtained any and all releases necessary from all persons (or their legal guardians) depicted in the submissions. The copyright of the entire image must be the entrant’s or the entrant must have the written authority of the copyright owner to enter the photograph into the competition. All responsibility resides with the entrant to seek all permissions required for the image to win under the entrant’s name, and for the display and publication of the entry. The Organiser reserves the right to request evidence of such authorities or consents. Images co-created may be entered under more than one owner name; the responsibilities outlined above to extend to multiple owners.

Declarations of truth

All entrants will be asked to declare that the images they are submitting comply with the competition rules and that the picture information they provide is original, complete, true and accurate.

Changes

The Organiser reserves the right to cancel this competition or alter the rules at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances are arise outside of its control.

Organiser

In all instances the Organiser is the University of South Wales.

Enquiries

All enquiries should be sent to [email protected]

Oral Presentations: 10-minute presentation with five minutes for questions. Timings will be strictly enforced.

This will be a hybrid event; we welcome presentations in person or via Teams - you will be expected to present live at the event.  The Conference Centre is equipped with IT equipment and IT support will be available to help during the event.

The presentation must represent the independent research of the student. The quality of the content, the quality of the presentation and response to questions will be considered by the judging panel.

Remember to tailor your presentation to ensure that your message reaches the whole audience (including non specialists), communicating your research to a wide and diverse group from all three faculties.

To participate in the Oral Presentation session please complete the online form and remember your 200-word limit for your synopsis. Please state if you will be presenting in person or via Teams.

The 3-Minute Thesis competition is an excellent opportunity to improve your presentation skills and broadcast your research.  If you want to use this format simply provide your name, title of your presentation and a short synopsis of your presentation of no more than 200 words.

The winner will be put forward to the national 3MT Competition organised by VITAE.

To participate in the 3-Minute-Thesis please complete the online form and remember to add the one page information sheet. Please state if you will be presenting in person or via TEAMS.

Rules

Single static PowerPoint slide is permitted.  No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed.  The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
No additional electronica media (eg sound and video files) are permitted.
No additional props (eg costumes, musical Instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.  
Presentations are to be spoken word (eg no poems, raps or songs).
Presentations are to commence from the stage.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
 

Engagement and Communication 

Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?