No Bell Prize Competition

The NBP entrants have 2 minutes and 59 seconds in which to tell the audience about an element of their research. Their story has to contain no jargon or complicated terms that would not be understood by the majority of disengaged 10-year-olds. 

If the panel detect any such words, they ring a bell! The winner is the entrant that receives the fewest bells. Getting no bells is a great achievement. 

Doctoral researchers spend three years becoming experts in something that perhaps only 100 people in the world totally understand; when applying for grants and engaging with stakeholders, you might have to convey your grand ideas to people who have literally no idea what you are talking about. The NBP challenges entrants to turn their deep and narrow expertise into something accessible for all. 

Participants are encouraged to deliver presentations that include descriptions of a research barrier that needed to be overcome (successfully or otherwise). It could be as big or as small a part of their research – anything from an experimental process, experience or outcome. 

All NBP finalists receive a certificate of participation and a great learning experience. The winner receives £150 and there is a ‘Runner-up’ and ‘People’s Choice’ prize. 

• PowerPoint or other digital presentation media are not permitted 
• Physical props are allowed, including flipcharts. You must supply all props and have them risk-approved in advance. 
• Electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are not permitted.  
• Song, dance, rap, poetry, mime, or other artistic interpretations are allowed. 
• Presentations are limited to 2 minutes and 59 seconds. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be encouraged to wrap up as quickly as possible.  
• Teams of up to 3 DRs are allowed – perhaps linked by lab, topic, or methodology. Cross-school teams are particularly encouraged. 
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. 

Fancy the challenge? Sign up to be an entrant. Deadline for registering for this competition is the 23rd May.   

Primary criterion: Accessible and Inclusive Explanation: Would the message conveyed be accessible to what we might think of as ‘the general public’? Think 10-year-old with standard schooling. Would it be inclusive for people with differences expecting an audio-visual presentation? 

Secondary criterion: Is it Engaging, Enthusiastic and Entertaining? (Not all topics lend themselves to being ‘entertaining’ so this definition includes intriguing, compelling, and riveting.)