Organised by the Doctoral College and Enhanced Academic Practice (Organisational Development & Change), the Summer Showcase for Doctoral Researchers took place on Wednesday 19 June 2024 (09:30 - 15:00). 

The Summer Showcase was a fun event that brought doctoral researchers together from across the University to share their work via engaging, accessible and creative formats, and network in a vibrant and supportive environment. 

This year’s Summer Showcase included: 

  • The University’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Grand Final featuring the winners of each School 3MT® competition 
  • A poster exhibition 
  • A creative research gallery 
  • An interactive exhibition 
  • A no-bell prize competition
  • A free networking lunch 

There was a record number of attendees (~250!) and feedback from attendees to the post-event survey (n=59) was exceptionally positive with:

  • 97% of respondents agreeing that the event provided an inclusive environment to listen, engage and learn.
  • 98% of respondents agreeing that the event gave the opportunity to share research and network with others.
  • 95% of respondents agreeing that the event was well-organised.
  • 93% agreeing that they would recommend the event to a peer/colleague.

Further highlighting the success of the event, several attendees commented:

"The event was top-notch and well organized. I want to say thank you for giving me such opportunity to network and present my poster. Its a lifetime experience I will forever cherish. Thank you Doctoral College."

"I really enjoyed the day and it looked like everyone else did too. It was supportive and everyone seemed to end the day with a smile on their face."

"The whole atmosphere, it was very supportive and recognised each doctoral researcher. This is important because it creates an inclusive environment, and as someone who has just started their PhD, makes me feel more confident to get involved in future years."

To follow the X (formally Twitter) and LinkedIn chatter about the event, please use #LboroDCShowcase.

If you have any questions about the event, please email the Doctoral College.

Doctoral researchers exhibiting their posters and networking.

Event schedule

The Summer Showcase took place in the James France Building and online on 19 June 2024, 09:30-15:00.

Click here to see the exciting timetable

Showcase & Networking Opportunities

Doctoral researchers had a wide range of opportunities to share their work and network at this year's Summer Showcase. Click on the boxes below to find out more.

Poster Presentations

Doctoral researchers were invited to create and present an engaging poster that outlined their current research and its (potential) impact.

Three Minute Thesis

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ). Entrants had three minutes (and a single, static, slide) in which to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its importance.

Creative Gallery

Doctoral researchers were encouraged to unleash their imaginations to express their work/research experiences using creative methods.

Interactive Exhibition

Doctoral researchers were encouraged to share activities/outputs related to their research that attendees of the Summer Showcase could engage with. For example, research equipment/measures or a product/item/resource created as a consequence of research.

No Bell Prize Competition

New to the Summer Showcase was the 'No-Bell' Prize Competition. This could be thought of as a 3MT-lite competition, with more relaxed rules. Doctoral researchers were encouraged to share any part of their research journey that other people might be interested in or could learn from.

Additional Prizes

New for this year’s Summer Showcase were three additional prizes that were judged across the Poster, Creative, and Interactive exhibits.

Exhibitors

The Summer Showcase provided an opportunity for attendees to talk to a variety of people, professional services and organisations that support researchers during their time at Loughborough and beyond.