How do you explain complex scientific research in clear language? The Flemish PhD Cup invites physicians to share research

The development of self-healing robots, corneal cell culture or the tracing of the authors of medieval texts. Imagine you’ve been stuck in this as a researcher for four years. At the end of the trip, it is required to summarize the PhD thesis in 3 minutes. In a crystal clear way – and convincing if possible. With cameras and lights pointed at you, while the countdown clock ticking by seconds.

This is the challenge that the young scientists face at SciMingo Flemish PhD Cup Serving. No way? Not at all, as it has been proven Bert Van den Bojerd (UAntwerpen) who won the competition in 2020. You can see his plan below.

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Media training

The Doctoral Cup wants to encourage young doctors to advance their research. This is necessary, says VRT science journalist Queen Waters: “Corona makes the importance of good scientific communication more apparent than ever before. Our community needs scientists from all disciplines to share their knowledge and perspectives with the public.” Waters is one of the trainers who will guide participants through a four-day media and communication training. “We teach them to communicate clearly and correctly about their research through presentation, writing, camera, and interview training.”

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Competition cycle

After that training the match begins. The finale came in the final on October 11th. Eight researchers are competing for the main prize at Ghent’s Handelsbeurs: a course at Vlerick Business School worth 5,000 euros, a ticket to a video lecture at the University of Flanders and a chance to publish a book in Academia Press. Anyone who has obtained a PhD in the past two years can register until the end of June via phdcup.be.

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