Finalist Dearbhla Burke presents her research at Researchfest 2016. Image: Conor McCabe Photography
Think you can explain your research in plain English? If so, you could find yourself on stage at Inspirefest in the running for Researchfest champion 2017.
Researchfest returns to Inspirefest this summer and the deadline for entries to this test of researchers’ communication skills has been extended to 2 June 2017.
Researchers of all stripes – from humanities and social science, to science, technology, engineering and maths – are encouraged to enter the second ever Researchfest competition. All it takes to enter is a three-minute video that explains your research in simple language. Send that video (or a link to it) to researchfest@inspirefest.com by 12pm (IST) on 2 June and you could be in with a chance to shine at Inspirefest 2017.
Finalists get free training and Inspirefest passes
From these video entries, a selection of finalists will be invited to present their research without slides in front of the Inspirefest audience. Finalists will get help in preparing for the main event with training from SNP Communications and they can also enjoy a free pass to the full three-day Inspirefest festival of science and technology.
The inaugural Researchfest put researchers on the Fringe festival stage but, due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the contest will now feature on an all-new second stage at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
On Thursday, 6 July, Researchfest finalists will recreate their three-minute video presentation for an international audience and an esteemed panel of judges. The winner will be announced on the day and will receive further training from SNP Communications, a profile on Siliconrepublic.com and more prizes to be announced.
Video tip: Keep it simple
Video entries should capture the researcher’s passion and explain the potential impact their work can have on society.
Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their delivery but not to worry too much about video quality. Whether it’s shot with assistants and a studio or handheld using a smartphone, all that matters is that you communicate with clarity for a non-technical audience.
DCU School of Electronic Engineering researcher Shauna Flynn was crowned the first ever ResearchFest champion for her presentation on using block copolymers to further the progress of Moore’s Law.
Check out more of last year’s finalists’ concise and insightful presentations, and get your entries in now for an opportunity to showcase your research at Europe’s best conference for bright minds.
Inspirefest is Silicon Republic’s international event connecting sci-tech professionals passionate about the future of STEM. Book now to get your Early Bird tickets.
