22nd RUFORUM PRE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

CONCEPT NOTE

READINESS PREPARATION OF JUNIOR SCIENTISTS: ZAMBIA AND AFRICA 

Webinar Orals Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4Bkij8P

Webinar Posters Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4z81DQL

Date: Monday 9th November, 14:00–17:00 CAT

Venue: Virtual

Contacts: Dr. Runyararo Jolyn Rukarwa (r.rukarwa@ruforum.org)

                   Professor Majaliwa Mwanjalolo (m.majaliwa@ruforum.org)

Facilitators:

1. Scientific Presentations and PowerPoint Development: Professor Francis Simui, Assistant Director of postgraduate studies, Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia.

francis.simui@unza.ac.zm; simuifrancis@gmail.com

2.  Scientific Poster Development: Professor Gillian Kabwe, Forestry and Environmental Management, Copperbelt University, Zambia.

gillian.kabwe@cbu.ac.zm 

BACKGROUND

Clear scientific communication helps to explain why research matters, present evidence accurately and engage audiences in meaningful discussion. Oral presentations and research posters require organising a clear message of the main findings and using visuals that support understanding. For students, this needs practice in turning a thesis or research report into a concise presentation suited to a conference audience.

As part of the RUFORUM Pre-AGM activities in Zambia, this three-hour training will support MSc and PhD students to prepare and improve their PowerPoint and scientific posters presentations. The training will combine demonstrations, guided preparation and peer feedback, using participants’ own research. Two parallel sessions will allow students to focus on the communication format most relevant to their immediate needs.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

To strengthen the ability of MSc and PhD students to communicate research clearly, accurately and confidently through oral presentations and scientific posters.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. Organise research into a clear narrative with a focused message and logical flow.
2. Develop readable and visually effective PowerPoint slides or a scientific poster.
3. Present data accurately using appropriate charts, tables and images.
4. Practice delivery, time management and responses to audience questions.
5. Use feedback to improve a draft presentation or poster.

OUTCOMES

1. Improved ability to explain research clearly and present evidence accurately.
2. Greater confidence in oral delivery, poster discussion and responding to questions.
3. Better preparation of MSc and PhD students for scientific conferences and research dissemination.

PREPARATION AND DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS

1. Participants should submit research abstract and, where available, a draft slide deck or poster before training; bring key findings, charts, images and any relevant conference instructions.
2. Participants should have a computer with PowerPoint or another suitable presentation or poster design application. Templates and examples should be shared beforehand for offline use.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

At the start, participants will identify one communication challenge. At closing, they will assess their learning and review their draft against a short checklist covering message, structure, accuracy, readability and delivery. Participants will be allowed to submit, after two days, revised products before their presentations. RUFORUM will collate participation, submitted products and feedback to guide further support.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS AND TRAINING APPROACH

The training targets MSc and PhD students preparing to present their research, particularly those participating in the RUFORUM AGM. Students will select one session during registration. Those with preliminary findings may participate, provided the status and limitations of their evidence are clearly stated.

Delivery will prioritise short demonstrations, guided work on students’ own materials and feedback in small groups. Participants will leave with a revised draft and an action plan for final preparation. The three-hour session is an initial skills clinic, supported by preparation beforehand and follow-up review.

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY

Master of Ceremony: Professor Majaliwa J.G. Mwanjalolo

TRAINING PROGRAMME (Two Parallel Sessions)

• The two training sessions run simultaneously; each student attends one.
• Practice takes place in small groups so all participants can receive feedback.
• The size and timing of final AGM presentations and posters will follow the organisers’ official guidance.