This is the first time a Doctoral Researcher from Loughborough University has progressed to the national final of the Three Minute Thesis competition.
Developed by the University of Queensland, Australia, the Three Minute Thesis challenges candidates to present their research topic in only three minutes to a non-specialist audience. Find out more about the rules of the competition.
Ridzuan was the winner of the School of Design and Creative Art’s 3MT competition and the overall winner and the People’s Choice winner of the Loughborough 3MT Final at the Doctoral College Summer Showcase 2023. This led to him being put forward to Vitae’s national competition where he is now a finalist.
Ridzuan’s research is about ‘The effectiveness of motion graphics towards design students in higher education institutions’.
Discussing his research and the competition, Ridzuan said: “My doctorate examines one of the pedagogies rarely used in current education and the impact that it has when applied to Generation Z. Generation Z students are believed to have specific learning characteristics that distinguish them from the previous generation; something that is often overlooked by educators and must be addressed.
“A PhD is not an easy path and I believe everyone has their own story and challenges to tell. As a Doctoral Researcher funded by the Malaysian government, I have many responsibilities not only as a student but also as a lecturer, father, husband and son. The hardest moment for me was receiving phone calls from my family two days before the University 3MT competition on the passing of my beloved father. This has taught me a valuable lesson, and it has inspired me to value those around me more.
“Winning the Loughborough 3MT and People's Choice award at the Summer Showcase was a complete shock to me as I had no expectation of winning, and I was lost for words when I was selected as a semi-finalist and finalist of the national 3MT competition.”
Professor Steve Christie, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Doctoral College) said: “We’re delighted that Ridzuan has made it through to the final of the Three Minute Thesis competition. At the Loughborough final, his enthusiasm, passion and pride in his research shone through. He is a fantastic ambassador for the short presentation format and for Loughborough. We wish him luck in the final!”
The winners will be announced during a live stream on 15 September, 12-12:45 GMT +1. After all the finalists have been streamed, viewers will be able to vote for the People’s Choice winner who will receive £1,000 and an engraved trophy. The Judges Choice winner will receive a £3,000 grant to spend on public engagement activity as well as an engraved trophy.