Eighth University of Leicester Festival of Postgraduate Research, 17 May 2012

It’s that time of year again when our postgrad researchers show off the range and quality of their work to their peers, to potential employers, and to the public.

The Festival of Postgraduate Research, which takes place this Thursday, 17 May, is now in its eighth year and has become a highlight of the University calendar. From our 1,300 research students, fifty of the brightest and best have been selected to present posters which explain what they are doing, why it is interesting, and why it is important.

The presenters come from every Department: economists display alongside engineers, geographers next to geneticists. They all compete for prizes – awards, cash and prestige – with the very best going on to the regional Vitae competition in Coventry in July. In addition, a further 13 posters will display the work of research students who are studying part-time or by distance learning.

Effective communication is an essential skill for any academic researcher so as well as preparing posters, the students have been given training in writing press releases and designing websites to publicise their work.

After an exclusive view by the judges, the Festival opens its doors at 11.00am. Attendance is free and open to anyone but we do ask you to please book in advance. The research students will be on hand beside their posters to discuss their work; some will have props or specimens to display and it is not unknown for the more enterprising postgrads to hand out (relevant) chocolates.

After lunch, the presenters and judges enjoy a keynote address by an invited speaker; we are delighted to announce that this year TV presenter and science promoter Maggie Philbin will speak on ‘The Power of the Story - Why Effective Communication of Research Really Matters’.

The winners of the 2012 Festival of Postgraduate Research will be posted on Newsblog later that afternoon.