Visualise Your Thesis Competition
A competition for University of Melbourne graduate researchers
The 2019 International Visualise Your Thesis Competition helps graduate researchers to develop essential digital communication skills to effectively convey their complex research to a general audience. It takes the amazing research of the world’s brightest and best graduate researchers and catapults it into the digital age.
The competition challenges graduate researchers to present their research in a 60 second, eye-catching digital display. Using a pre-supplied template, entrants are tasked with developing a striking looped presentation to encapsulate their research projects in short, engaging, digital narratives.
Congratulations to all of our 2019 competition winners!
- 1st Place* & Viewers’ Choice**
Carmen Glanville (PhD student)
Protecting Pets by Changing People Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences. (* Ist Place prize funded by SSAF , **Viewers' Choice sponsored by University House) - 2nd Place
Crystal Nguyen (PhD student)
Restoring vision with regenerative therapy Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Melbourne Medical School. Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences. - 3rd Place
Sharman P. Tan Tanny (PhD student)
For some, reality is hard to swallow
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
This year's local heat winner, Carmen Glanville (PhD student) with her presentation 'Protecting Pets by Changing People' will represent the University of Melbourne in the online 2019 International Visualise Your Thesis Competition.
University of Melbourne Visualise Your Thesis 2019 Showcase
OUR 2019 COMPETITION JUDGES
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Simon Clews (Melbourne Engagement Lab, Melbourne CSHE)
Simon Clews (Melbourne Engagement Lab, Melbourne CSHE) -
Alana Pirrone (Design and Communications Officer, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health)
Alana Pirrone (Design and Communications Officer, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health) -
Rose Hiscock (Director, Science Gallery Melbourne)
Rose Hiscock (Director, Science Gallery Melbourne)
Registration
Registrations opened on Monday 1 July 2019.
Registrations closed Friday 9 August 2019, 12 noon.
Entry submissions closed Friday 16 August 2019, 12 noon.
Awards event Wednesday 28 August 2019, 4:00-5:00pm.
The registration period has now closed. The 2019 University of Melbourne Visualise Your Thesis winners will be announced at the Awards event on 28 August 2019 and posted here shortly afterwards.
Competition Details
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Eligibility
The Visualise Your Thesis competition is for currently-enrolled graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne*. Graduate researchers are enrolled in:
- M.Phil.,
- Masters by Research,
- Ph.D. or
- Professional Doctorate programmes
Students can be at any stage of their candidature, but must be active and attending (not on leave of absence).
Not eligible to enter the competition are: Honours students; Masters by coursework students (even if their program has a research/thesis component); or Graduate researchers on a leave of absence.
Graduate researchers affiliated with multiple institutions may only enter one local competition per year.
Entries should be unique and original. The resubmission of previous entries is only permitted where substantial revision has occurred.
* If you are from another university, check the International Visualise Your Thesis site to see if your institution is registered to run a local competition.
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Key dates
- Competition opened Monday 1 July 2019.
- Registration closed Friday 9 August 2019, 12 noon.
- Entry submissions close Friday 16 August 2019, 12 noon.
- Awards Event Wednesday 28 August 2019, 4-5pm.
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Prizes and awards
University of Melbourne Visualise Your Thesis Competition (heat)
- 1st prize: AUD$1,000 VISA card (funded by SSAF)
- 2nd prize: AUD$500 VISA card
- 3rd prize: AUD$250 VISA card
- Viewers' Choice prize: AUD$100 (sponsored by University House)
International Visualise Your Thesis Competition (online final)
- 1st prize: AUD$5,000 VISA card
- 2nd prize: AUD$2,000 VISA card
- 3rd prize: AUD$1,000 VISA card
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Judging criteria
Competition submissions are judged on their visual impact, and how well the content presents the research. The digital format allows for different levels of creativity, multi-media, interactivity and interpretation and is suitable for all disciplines.
Our 2019 Competition Judges are:
- Rose Hiscock (Director, Science Gallery Melbourne)
- Simon Clews (Melbourne Engagement Lab, Melbourne CSHE).
- Alana Pirrone (Design and Communications Officer, The Jack Brockhoff Child Health & Wellbeing Program; Centre for Health Equity, The Melbourne School of Population & Global Health)
Entries will be judged against the following criteria:
Impact (score: __ / 20)
- How well designed, creative, innovative and engaging is the entry?
- Is it visually striking and memorable?
- Does it attract from a distance and deliver details close up?
- Does it make a good first impression and then offer rich content on further examination?
- Does it make the most of the available technology?
Sound (note that sound is optional; the following criteria may not apply to every entry)
- Was the sound/music in keeping with the mood/style of the presentation?
- Did the music/sound contribute to the impact of the presentation?
- Did any transitions/visual effects align with the beat/soundtrack?
- Was the music/sound edited to fit the 60 second loop, rather than just finishing abruptly?
Content (score: __ / 20)
- Does the entry provide an understanding of the research question being addressed, its significance, and potential impact?
- Is the research communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Is the entry free from jargon, unexplained acronyms and incomprehensible technical terms?
- Does the entry leave you inspired and curious?
Scholarly Citizenship (score: __ / 20)
- Does the entry include complete and correct references for any resources used to create the entry? Including: citation of any images, audio, video, tools and data.
- Does the entry include a valid ORCID on the title slide?
- Copyright – material included in the entry complies with the copyright rules of the competition, and the entry contains only material that falls into the following categories:
- In the Public Domain;
- Licensed under Creative Commons;
- Content used with permission, or under an appropriate licence;
- Original content created by the student themselves.
- Does the entry include acknowledgements for other people or groups who helped with the project or entry?
Workshops and Events
Check out the resources below to support you in the competition.
Powerpoint and Visualise Your Thesis
- VYT Using the PPT Template (unimelb log-in required)
- VYT Powerpoint Features (unimelb log-in required)
See also: Microsoft’s PowerPoint training resources.
Design
- Effective presentation design for Visualise Your Thesis - Anitra Nottingham (workshop 17 July 2019) Presentation
Images
- Open Access images (Thing 12: 23 Research Things)
- Finding Images (LibGuide)
- Creative Commons – Image Search
Copyright for Visualise Your Thesis - 5 Videos
Keeping your entry copyright compliant*
An Introduction to Copyright for Visualise Your ThesisTM Competition.
Seeking Permissions*
Using copyright materials for Visualise Your ThesisTM Competition.
Accessing expired copyright materials*
Using public domain works for Visualise Your ThesisTM Competition.
Existing Permissions*
Using Creative Commons for Visualise Your ThesisTM Competition.
Protecting your copyright materials*
Using your own materials for Visualise Your ThesisTM Competition
* While we endeavour to ensure that all content published in these Visualise Your Thesis videos is correct at the time of publishing, we make no warranty about the accuracy, completeness or reliability of this content. The information provided here is general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
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What are the judges looking for?
Entries will be judged against the following criteria:
Impact (score: __ / 20)
- How well designed, creative, innovative and engaging is the entry?
- Is it visually striking and memorable?
- Does it attract from a distance and deliver details close up?
- Does it make a good first impression and then offer rich content on further examination?
- Does it make the most of the available technology?
Sound (note that sound is optional; the following criteria may not apply to every entry)
- Was the sound/music in keeping with the mood/style of the presentation?
- Did the music/sound contribute to the impact of the presentation?
- Did any transitions/visual effects align with the beat/soundtrack?
- Was the music/sound edited to fit the 60 second loop, rather than just finishing abruptly?
Content (score: __ / 20)
- Does the entry provide an understanding of the research question being addressed, its significance, and potential impact?
- Is the research communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Is the entry free from jargon, unexplained acronyms and incomprehensible technical terms?
- Does the entry leave you inspired and curious?
Scholarly Citizenship (score: __ / 20)
- Does the entry include complete and correct references for any resources used to create the entry? Including: citation of any images, audio, video, tools and data.
- Does the entry include a valid ORCID on the title slide?
- Copyright – material included in the entry complies with the copyright rules of the competition, and the entry contains only material that falls into the following categories:
- In the Public Domain;
- Licensed under Creative Commons;
- Content used with permission, or under an appropriate licence;
- Original content created by the student themselves.
- Does the entry include acknowledgements for other people or groups who helped with the project or entry?
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How do I use the ePoster template?
Download the ePoster PowerPoint template to your computer, delete the text, images and video in the template and add your own content.
You may add additional slides to the template, however:
- Your entire presentation will be displayed for at most 60 seconds, and
- The maximum file size allowed is 100 MB.
Your ePoster will be displayed using (PowerPoint 2016) for Windows. Please test your ePoster before completing it.
To test your ePoster, view your PowerPoint slideshow on a computer at the university that has standard software installed, such as on any student computer in a University of Melbourne library branch that you need to log in to.
Once you have completed your ePoster:
- Save a copy of the PowerPoint file. Only .pptx files will be accepted.
- Email your entry to: eposter@lists.unimelb.edu.au with the subject line: ‘Research Week Poster Competition Entry’
- If the .pptx file is less than 15 MB, you can attach your PowerPoint file to the email.
- If the file larger than 15 MB, include a link in the email to your poster on Dropbox, Google Drive or CloudStor.
- Your entry will be confirmed by email receipt. If you do not hear from us, please contact us at eposter@lists.unimelb.edu.au
You are responsible for proof-reading and testing your poster before submission, see the tips and submission checklist below.
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Can I change the layout and design of PowerPoint template for my entry?
Yes and no! As long as you retain the pre-formatted bookend slides (= the title and references) you are free to add your own content – this can be in the form of images, video and/or audio, and does not have to be just text.
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How long should my entry be?
There is a 60 second time limit for entries; however, you can include as few or as many slides as you wish, keeping in mind that:
- You must include the first slide and last slide, i.e. the title slide and references slides
- Your presentation (excl. bookend slides) should run for a maximum of 60 seconds
- Your title and reference slide(s) should run for 5 seconds each
- The maximum file size for your PowerPoint file is 100 MB
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Can I include audio in my entry?
Yes, you can include audio in your entry but consider that the maximum file size for your entry is 100 MB. Please make sure that any audio material is copyright compliant and referenced appropriately. Considering the nature of the competition, which emphasises visualising your thesis, we recommend that audio is used to enhance, not carry an entry – your entry should able to stand on its own, without the audio elements.
The University of Melbourne is committed to creating an accessible International Competition gallery, so if your entry progresses to the International Competition you may be required to provide an audio transcript.
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Can I include images, music or other audio-visual items that I find on the web in my entry?
You can, provided that the material is copyright compliant and/or you have the appropriate licences and permissions to reproduce it. Broad categories that web-sourced material you use should fall into are
- Creative Commons licensed material (excluding material with a Share-alike (SA) or Noncommercial (NC) licence)
- Public Domain works (= materials which are not protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws)
- Material under license or with permission
For more information refer to the copyright resources and videos on the 2019 Visualise Your Thesis International Competition website. Also check the resources the UniMelb Copyright Office site.
Make sure that all materials used in your entry are be cited, regardless of source.
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Where can I find free images, music or other audio-visual items to use in my entry?
There are numerous websites which provide access to Open Access images – Pixabay, Unsplash, and Snappy Goat are a few examples. Many archives and libraries (including the British Library) make their digitised collections available via Flickr Commons – Flickr being another popular image hosting website.
For music, sites like Incompetech, MuseOpen and ccMixter offer Creative Commons-licenced content. CC Search links to media, image and music platforms with content you can use and remix.
Make sure to check the individual licence of any object you are thinking of using, and include appropriate citations in the reference slide of your entry.
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Do I have to create my entire entry in PowerPoint?
No. You are welcome to create content outside of PowerPoint, then embed it into the template (retaining the title and reference slides). If you create content in third-party applications (such as animation tools) make sure that you have the appropriate permissions or licences. Many of these tools offer a free account, but make sure to check the Terms of Use.
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I’m enrolled for a degree that has a thesis component – can I enter the competition?
The Visualise Your Thesis competition is open to currently-enrolled graduate researchers (i.e. students enrolled in M.Phil., Masters by Research, Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate programmes) at any stage of their candidature who are active and attending.
Not eligible to enter the competition are:
- Honours students
- Masters by coursework students (even if their program has a research/thesis component).
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I’m on a leave of absence, can I still submit an entry?
No. Only currently-enrolled graduate researchers who are active and attending are eligible to enter the competition. If you are on a leave of absence unfortunately you are not eligible to enter. If your candidature has lapsed you are also ineligible to enter the competition.
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I’m affiliated with a research institute and a university and both run a VYT competition. Can I enter twice?
No. You can only enter once, so you will have to decide whether you’d like to represent your university or research institute.
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Can I re-submit an entry from a previous year?
Entries should be unique and original. The resubmission of previous entries is only permitted where substantial revision has occurred. And no doubt your research has progressed significantly, and you’d like your entry to reflect this!
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Tips for creating your Posters
Replace the text in the template by typing or pasting in your own text.
Remove the images in the template and add your own images to support your descriptions such as data visualisations, graphs, an infographic, tables, or photos.
Be creative and change the layout, text boxes, colours and fonts, just make sure you:
- Do not change the layout, design, or colours of the title slide, and the references slide (i.e. the first and last slides).
- Do not use a body text font size smaller than 14 pt.
- Do not change the Page Setup in PowerPoint (your ePoster will be displayed on an screen in widescreen format).
- Include the required information on the poster as specified in the template: Introduction, Research Significance, Method, Results, Conclusion, however note that:
- You may include this information in the form of text, images, video and/or audio.
- If you use text, you can modify the headings in the template to suit your project, for example: 'Background' instead of 'Introduction', ‘Approach’ instead of ‘Method’, or ‘Implications’ instead of ‘Conclusion'.
- Depending on the stage of your project, you may not have results or a conclusion yet, however you can state this and include any information or ideas you have at this stage.
- Consider copyright, particularly when adding images, audio or video to your poster, see the advice on the University of Melbourne Copyright Office website.
- Include a valid Twitter handle or Instagram handle: people will be encouraged to tweet to poster authors with questions and comments, and to post photos of the awards event.
Set your slides to advance automatically in PowerPoint:
- Select the Transitions tab.
- Tick the After checkbox.
- Enter the number of seconds you wish to display the slide for.
For further instructions, see: Set the speed and timing of transitions
Note: your entire PowerPoint presentation should display for a maximum total time of 60 seconds.
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Tips for adding audio and video
Your poster will be displayed using Microsoft (PowerPoint 2016) for Windows, ensure that any audio or video files you embed in your poster are in formats supported.
Supported audio and video file formats: Video and audio file formats supported in (PowerPoint 2016)
Note that embedded online videos, such as YouTube or Vimeo videos or similar will not work, as the screens will not be connected to the internet.
If animations or videos do not run, they may be removed without discussion with you. Therefore it is recommended that you provide a representative image in the correct place, in case this is necessary.
Make sure your audio and video:
- Is embedded in the PowerPoint file. Do not submit separate media files.
- Starts automatically and loops continuously. Your e-poster will be displayed in rotation with a number of other posters on a screen in slide show mode. No interaction will be possible.
- Is optimised and compressed.
Further instructions
For further help with PowerPoint, see:
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Submission checklist for competitors
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How does this competition differ from the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)?
This competition does not have a verbal presentation component and relies purely on each submission's visual presentation. Students who are in earlier stages of research (have not reached confirmation/ before writing up) are also welcome to enter the competition.
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Got a question that is not included here?
Please email us at: eposter@lists.unimelb.edu.au
Our competitions
Have a look at our galleries showcasing current and previous competitions.
University of Melbourne Visualise Your Thesis 2019 Showcase
2019 WINNERS
GLANVILLE, Carmen – PhD student, Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences. 1st Place Winner & Viewers' Choice Prize
NGUYEN, Crystal – PhD student, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Melbourne Medical School. 2nd Place Winner
- TANNY, Sharman P. Tan – PhD student, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences. 3rd Place Winner
2019 ENTRANTS
CATALÀ JARQUE, Jorgina – PhD student, School of Languages and Linguistics and School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, Faculty of Arts.
COLES, Therese Fazio– PhD student, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
- GLANVILLE, Carmen – PhD student, Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences. 1st Place Winner & Viewers' Choice Prize
HUANG, Lanxi – PhD student, Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education.
KU, Yeekee – PhD student, Melbourne School of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning.
LOVERIDGE, Ben – Master of Music student, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
NGUYEN, Crystal – PhD student, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Melbourne Medical School. 2nd Place Winner
ROSDAH, Ayeshah – PhD student, Department of Surgery (St. Vincent's Hospital), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
TANNY, Sharman P. Tan – PhD student, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences. 3rd Place Winner
URRUTIA-CABRERA, Daniel – PhD student, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Centre for Eye Research Australia.
WHITEHEAD, Clarissa – PhD student, Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital.