No Bell Prize Competition

One of the most entertaining highlights of the Summer Showcase returned with a bang - or rather, a ding! The No-Bell Prize Competition once again delivered fast-paced, fun, and completely jargon-free research storytelling.

Winners

Amy Jennison-Boyle and Oscar Hutton - Winner & People’s Choice Award

Amy Jennison-Boyle and Oscar Hutton were crowned Winners of the No-Bell Prize and also received the People’s Choice Award for their presentation titled: 'Don’t Lose Your Head!'. Their win came down to their creative and crowd-pleasing presentation. The duet represented Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Megan Huggett - Runner-Up

Megan Huggett was awarded Runner-Up for her presentation: 'Why is it so Difficult to Define Trauma and Resilience?'. Megan was recognised for her thoughtful and engaging delivery. She represented Social Sciences and Humanities.

No-Bell Bril-liant Entrants

  • Sadia Bakhtiar (Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering)
    Piezoelectric Wind Energy Harvesting for Environmental Sensing Applications 
  • Jess Green (School of Science)
    Math Roots: Growing Early Thinkers 
  • Megan Huggett (Social Sciences and Humanities) –
    Why is it so Difficult to Define Trauma and Resilience? 
  • Fiona Hughes (Design and Creative Arts) –
    The Power of The Musical 
  • Amy Jennison-Boyle & Oscar Hutton (Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences) –
    Don’t Lose Your Head! 
  • Elizabeth Jane Lovely (Design and Creative Arts) –
    Once Upon a Time for a Happily Ever After 
  • Eyram Akofa Tawia (Social Sciences and Humanities) –
    Politics is Serious! But Who Says it Can't Be Fun? 

Competition

Much like a 3MT®-lite, entrants had just 2 minutes and 59 seconds to explain a part of their research in a way that was clear, compelling, and accessible to a general audience. If the judging panel (affectionately known as The Bell Ringers) heard any jargon or overly complex terms, they rang a bell. The fewer bells, the better. A no-bell presentation was a major achievement! 

This competition gave doctoral researchers the chance to step outside their academic bubble and connect with the audience through engaging, inclusive, and often surprising presentations. Whether sharing a breakthrough, a challenge, or a quirky research moment, participants turned specialist knowledge into something memorable and meaningful. 

What made the No-Bell Prize special? 

  • No slides or digital media - presentations relied on voice, presence, and perhaps a well-chosen prop or two. 
  • Creative formats were encouraged from song and dance to poetry, mime, or any expressive approach that brought research to life. 
  • Team entries (up to three doctoral researchers) were welcomed, with cross-school collaborations especially encouraged. 
  • All finalists received a certificate and a valuable experience in public engagement. 

Judging Criteria: 

Primary: Was the explanation accessible and inclusive for a general audience? 

Secondary: Was it engaging, enthusiastic, and entertaining (or intriguing, compelling, and riveting)? 

The Judges (aka The Bell Ringers) were: 

  • Dr Tina Byrom – Head of Enhanced Academic Practice 
  • Jennifer Johnson – Director of the Research & Innovation Office 
  • Kelly Auty – Head of Knowledge Exchange Development & Evaluation, Nottingham Trent University