Nichod

अनुसन्धान निचोड प्रस्तुति प्रतियोगिता 

a national competition of research students to share their 

research findings to general public in 3 minutes

Nichod is an annual flagship program of National Young Academy of Nepal jointly organized with Pokhara University Research Centre (PURC). This is a national competition program of research students to share their research findings to the general public in three minutes. 

The Nichod competition is inspired from 3MT competition initiated by the University of Queensland and has been extended to undergraduate students in addition to the graduate students. 

Science communication is an important and integral part of the research. This initiative encourages and trains students to effectively explain their research findings among the audience beyond their subject domain in just three minutes. With the main motto “Research for social impact”, Nichod aims to bridge the gap between scientists and the community while developing students’ skills in academic research, presentation, and communication. 

Eligibility

• • PhD, Master, and Bachelor level students who are in the final stage of their thesis research (not more than one year of completion of thesis research). 

  • Research students enrolled in Nepali colleges and universities.

  • Any academic domains including but limited to agricultural sciences, engineering, and technology, medical and health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, law, and business.

  • The research MUST be original research carried by the student 

Categories

The Nichod competition will be in two categories:

a) Graduate (Ph.D. and Masters)

b) Undergraduate (Bachelors) 

Application Process

• Complete the registration form

• Submit a video recording describing thesis research in not more than three minutes along with the registration form.

• An individual can submit only one entry.

• Applicants may choose either English or Nepali as their preferred language of presentation 

• There is no entry fee. 

Guidelines for video competition – first round

• An official approval letter from the academic supervisor/head is necessary for the submission of the work in the competition. The letter should state that the research was carried out by the student and is allowed to share the findings in 3 minute format. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE LETTER

• Presentations are limited to three minutes. Videos longer than three minutes are disqualified.

• The three minute time begins when the presenter starts to speak.

• Only a  single static PowerPoint slide is permitted.

• PowerPoint slide should not use animations, sound, or video clips. 

• The video must include a clear self-image of the presenter in the corner of the video.

• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., poems, raps, or songs are not permitted).

• Video must be clearly audible and visible with minimum background noise and light.

• Participants will not be judged on video/recording quality or editing capabilities. Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT PowerPoint slide.

Guidelines for physical/virtual competition – final round

• Short-listed applicants from first round will be selected for the final round of the competition. 

• The final round will be conducted as a physical or virtual live competition based on COVID-19 situation.

• The general rules for the presentation will be the same as in the first round.

• The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session by the jury members.

Judging Criteria and Marking

An independent jury team will evaluate the competition submissions. The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. The submissions will be evaluated based on:

1. Quality of video content

●   Did the presentation provide clear background and significance to the research question?

●   Did the presentation clearly describe the research design and the findings of the research?

●   Did the presentation clearly describe the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research?

2. Quality of communication and presentation

●   Was the research effectively communicated to a non-specialist audience through presentation skills?

●   Was the PowerPoint slide well-defined and did it enhance the presentation?

Prizes and certificates

All presenters will be provided a certificate of participation. Two winners will receive a certificate and cash prize as follows.

Graduate category: NRs. 50000/-

Undergraduate category: NRs. 30000/-

Timeline for Nichod

• • • Registration open: April

    • Registration close: June

    • Pre-selection and confirmation to participants: August

    • Final competition: September | Ashoj 1 (Bigwan Diwas)