Rapid Research Relay
The brand-new Rapid Research Relay made a bold and brilliant debut, setting the tone for a day filled with energy, creativity, and connection.
Relay 'Runners'
Here’s who took part in this high-energy, high-impact relay:
- Gráinne Kelly (School of Design and Creative Arts)
How Occupational Health and Safety Consultants Can Work Effectively with SMEs - Jiaying Xue (School of Social Sciences and Humanities)
Polycentric Urban Regions and Geographies of Innovation: A Case Study of China’s Greater Bay Area - Timipado Silikowei-Imomotebegha (School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering)
The Future of Mentoring - Sun Keyki (School of Design and Creative Arts)
Constructing Parasocial Relationships in Virtual Influencers: The Interplay of Authenticity and Storytelling - Neda Abbasimaleki (School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering)
Home as Her Voice: Women, Space and Everyday Acts - Cellan Sheldon (Loughborough Business School)
Trust in Artificial Intelligence - Jessica Green (School of Science)
Early Maths Learning - Fiona Hughes (School of Design and Creative Arts)
The Power of the Musical
Competition
Like a traditional relay, each researcher passed the baton, or rather, the microphone, from one to the next, with applause held until the final speaker crossed the finish line. A sharp blast of the horn marked the end of each 90-second slot, keeping the pace high and the energy electric.
The audience was taken on a whirlwind tour of research from across the university from science and engineering to design, business, and the humanities. Every participant received a certificate of participation, and a lucky name was drawn for a spot prize - a fun and fitting reward for stepping up and standing out.
Complex or relatable? Both!
This fast-paced event challenged nine doctoral researchers to do something powerful: explain their research in just 90 seconds with no slides, no jargon, just clear, compelling storytelling. While it certainly sharpened academic communication, the relay was about much more than that. It highlighted a vital real-world skill: the elevator pitch - the ability to distil complex ideas into something engaging, relatable, and instantly understandable.
Whether speaking to a policymaker, a potential collaborator, or someone in a lift, the ability to communicate research quickly and meaningfully is essential. The Rapid Research Relay gave researchers the perfect platform to practise this skill and to have a lot of fun doing it.
A big confidence boost
I feel more confident about sharing my research with others in engaging ways, not limited to conference talks and posters. I got to present my work in a couple of fun ways, and got good feedback, which was a big confidence boost..”