Peer-to-Peer Presentations: A Guide for PhD Students
Purpose of the Training
The peer-to-peer sessions provide an early opportunity to deliver a scientific presentation as a postgraduate student, in a constructive environment with the aim of building communication skills. As such, your presentation should focus on introducing your research topic to a non-specialist audience of chemists. Although initial results are important, and you may wish to share some of them, they should not make up the bulk of your talk.
Peer-to-Peer presentations aim to develop some of the following critical skills:
- Communicating complex research to diverse audiences
- Building confidence in academic presentation techniques
- Practicing constructive peer feedback
- Simulating conference experiences
Conference-Style Setup
Roles
- Presenters: PhD and MPhil students sharing research
- Session Chairs: Manage presentation flow, timing and questions
- Audience: Ask questions and provide constructive feedback
Typical Session Structure
- Presenter speaks (10 minutes)
- Questions and discussion (5 minutes
- Constructive peer feedback (MS forms)
Presentation Preparation Guidelines
Content Accessibility
- Explain complex concepts simply, accessible by a non-expert
- Expand on research-specific terminology
- Use clear, engaging visual aids
- Tell a compelling research story including the wider picture (e.g. applications)
Technical Recommendations
- Clear slide design
- Concise bullet points
- Relevant graphics/diagrams
- Practice timing
- Anticipate potential questions
Key Learning Outcomes
- Improve scientific communication skills
- Develop professional presentation techniques
- Build academic confidence
- Network with peer researchers (not necessarily in your specific area)
- Practice communicating research to non-experts
Peer to Peer presentations 2025 will take place the week commencing 31st March 2025. Exact times and dates to be confirmed to students in due course.