Research thesis in just three minutes at Open Day

Research thesis in just three minutes at Open Day
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Thursday, 12 August 2010

It usually takes three years of research and up to 80,000 words to complete a PhD thesis but University of Adelaide students will get just three minutes to present their research on Open Day this Sunday 15 August.

Ten finalists in the inaugural Three Minute Thesis competition will be set against the timer to present their thesis topic and its significance before a panel of judges and a public audience.

Each student has just three minutes to explain their research project with topics including the risks to our coastal communities from climate change; testing cars for pedestrian safety; developing a laser from a new type of optical fibre; and the role of tragedy in our society.

Five judges will make their selection for the best research communicator and the audience will be able to choose their favourite via free mobile phone voting. Well-known science communicator Professor Rob Morrison will be MC on the day.

"The Three Minute Thesis competition is about developing vital academic and research communication skills," says Professor Morrison. "Come along and vote for your favourite - after all when will you get another chance to hear 30 years of research in just 30 minutes?"

The Three Minute Thesis final will be held at 2.30pm on Open Day, Sunday 15 August, in Scott Theatre at the University's North Terrace Campus. It's free and everyone is welcome.

The University of Adelaide Open Day is the major day of the year when prospective students, their families and friends visit the University to learn more about study and career opportunities and university life.

It's also a community day when members of the general public visit the University to hear about the University's research, tour the campus and facilities or simply enjoy entertainment, performances and displays.

There's something for everyone at the University of Adelaide's Open Day and it's all free:

• Tours of the University's historic and state-of-the-art buildings and facilities including Australia's first 6 Star Green Star environmentally sustainable education building, Innova21
  
• Research Forum: four of the University's leading researchers will discuss 'Our research shaping South Australia's future', 1pm, Lecture Theatre G03, Napier Building
  
• Faculty displays, activities and talks demonstrating the range of educational and research opportunities

For more information on Open Day visit www.adelaide.edu.au/openday

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